The "Services for Windows" component includes Microsoft Active Directory-compatible services for the secure and efficient administration of Microsoft Windows systems (servers and clients). This also includes file and print services for Windows as well as additional services for the operation of Microsoft Windows-compatible networks. It thus allows optimal and effective management of Microsoft Windows systems with UCS. "Services for Windows" offers comprehensive Microsoft Active Directory functions and thus transforms UCS into an innovative and cost-effective alternative to expensive proprietary server systems.
The central component of "Services for Windows" are optimally coordinated versions of the Samba software (Active Directory services based on Samba 4 and the tried-and-tested file and print services based on Samba 3). Together with other UCS components such as the UCS directory service or the services for the network and IP management, efficient, web-based network and computer management is made possible - including by means of so-called Windows group policies (GPOs) for system and software configuration.
Identity management is the decisive factor when administrating users and systems in effectively managed IT environments. Users, groups and permissions are centrally administrated with UCS and, thanks to the Services for Windows, also apply during and after the log-in on Microsoft Windows-based systems. The user accounts are subject to the central security polices and password expiry intervals. Users have access to many services using a "single sign on", i.e., without the need to reenter a password.
Thanks to the comprehensive support of Microsoft Active Directory functions, the Microsoft administration tools can be easily employed for administrative tasks such as user or group policy management. Experienced Windows administrators thus feel at ease quickly with UCS and can discover the ergonomic and flexible Univention Management Console (UMC) for even better, web-based administration in peace.
Independently of that fact, with UCS Active Directory Connector, UCS also offers the possibility of problem-free parallel operation of UCS and existing Active Directory services based on Microsoft Windows or realising a gradual migration.
