Cross-platform Password Management?
Martin Blank writes "I work in a NOC, and one of the debates you will find in any strongly-mixed environment like this is preferred OS. We have people who prefer Windows, some who like Linux, and some who do almost everything on Solaris boxes. However, this also means that much software is not available over all three. With all of the servers, routers, and various other protected systems we have, the sheer quantity of passwords is mind-bogglingly difficult to keep track of in a secure fashion. Are there any packages out there right now running on at least Windows and Linux, and preferably also Solaris, that can access a central password file?"
Security experts always say: 1.passwords should be 8+ characters 2.passwords should look like they were randomly generated (esp. no English words) 3.never write your passwords down (WHICH INCLUDES USING A PASSWORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM). Personally, I usually follow rules #1 and #2, but there is no way I can memorize a 10+ randomly generated strings. Aren't security experts being a little hypercritical?
Novell hasn't gotten much right except their directory services. By far, Novell NDS/E-Directory is the best you can get in the industry. If you just want password management, openldap is good enough. However, if you want better user/group/server/services/application management, give eDirectory a shot. There's nothing else better to manage mid-enterprise corporations. It really does kick ass.