Software extends Microsoft Group Policy to Mac OS X.
Press Release Summary:
DirectControl for Mac OS X enables IT managers to centrally secure and configure Mac OS X systems through Microsoft Group Policy. Using same desktop lockdown and configuration management tools used for Windows environment, software increases security on Mac OS X on Intel-based and PowerPC systems by enforcing password locks on screen savers, setting/managing firewall settings, locking down system preferences, and controlling Internet sharing settings.
Original Press Release:
Centrify is First to Extend Microsoft Group Policy to Mac OS X
Organizations can now centrally set and enforce configuration and security for Macs by using the same class of policies applied to Windows systems
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 12 -- Centrify Corporation, a leading provider of Microsoft Active Directory-based access control and identity management solutions for non-Microsoft platforms, today announced the availability of the only solution that enables IT managers to centrally secure and configure Mac OS X systems through Microsoft Group Policy. With DirectControl, IT professionals can now use the same desktop lockdown and configuration management tools that they use for their Windows environment, to improve security and to centrally set policy and perform bulk configuration of Mac OS X systems. Centrify also announced today that Centrify DirectControl now supports Mac OS X on Intel-based systems, in addition to its current support for Mac OS X on PowerPC.
"We chose Centrify DirectControl because it gives us direct, centralized control of the Macs using our Windows management tools, makes it easy to enforce the same security policies across all the desktops, and helps us ensure that we are following best practices throughout the company," said Dave Mussman, Business Analyst at Morris Communications. "Mac users will get better service, the systems will be more secure, and we expect the administrative overhead will be reduced."
The addition of a wide array of Group Policy settings for Mac OS X environments enriches the Microsoft Active Directory-based authentication and authorization capabilities that DirectControl already delivers for Mac OS X. DirectControl's Mac OS X group policies help IT managers increase desktop security by enforcing password locks on screensavers, setting and managing firewall settings, locking down system preferences, controlling energy-saver functions, controlling Internet sharing settings, and providing a range of other management functions. These features extend to Mac OS X-based systems running on Intel processors.
"Microsoft is pleased that Centrify is extending Microsoft Group Policy across heterogeneous environments," said Michael Dennis, Lead Program Manager, Group Policy, of Microsoft.
"Enabling the Macintosh for Group Policy is an idea whose time has come," said Jeremy Moskowitz, author, instructor, Group Policy MVP, and owner of GPanswers.com, a web-based Group Policy Resource Center. "This advance will go a long way toward ensuring that all computers in a department receive similarly standardized settings."
The Technology
The Centrify DirectControl suite consists of the DirectControl Agent and DirectControl Management Tools. The DirectControl Agent enables a UNIX, Linux or Mac OS X computer to join an Active Directory domain and provides comprehensive Active Directory services for that system: authenticates administrator and end-user logins, controls access to any hosted web applications, and implements Group Policy updates. The DirectControl Management Tools enable administrators to set user and group access rights for the managed systems, set up Centrify Zones, run reports, configure the DirectControl Agents, and import accounts.
DirectControl for Mac OS X is installed on the desktop or server to enforce both computer and user group policies. The Group Policy capabilities included with DirectControl for Mac OS X leverage information stored in Active Directory about the machines and users on the network, and deliver robust capabilities such as loop-back filtering. For a comprehensive listing of Group Policies delivered by Centrify DirectControl, visit www.centrify.com/directcontrol/mac_os_x.asp.
Pricing and Availability
Group Policy support is built into the core DirectControl for Mac OS X product; there is no additional software to license or install. Centrify DirectControl for Mac OS X pricing begins at $50 per desktop or workstation and $300 per server. DirectControl's Group Policy support for Mac OS X is available today on PowerPC-based systems; DirectControl support for Mac OS X on Intel-based systems will be available by the end of June 2006.
About Centrify
Centrify is a leading provider of Microsoft Active Directory-based access control and identity management solutions for UNIX, Linux, Mac, J2EE and web platforms. With DirectControl, organizations can improve IT and end-user efficiency, better comply with regulatory requirements, and move toward a more secure, connected infrastructure for their heterogeneous computing environment. Founded in March 2004, Centrify is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information about Centrify and DirectControl, call +1 650-961-1100 or visit www.centrify.com.
Centrify and DirectControl are trademarks of Centrify Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
