Middleware Services
Active Directory
Support for Microsoft Active Directory to enable wider use of NetID
UW-Madison departments are requesting the use of the campus NetID Login Service for authentication to their local resources. One way of making that NetID service widely available is to provide central support for Microsoft Active Directory. More campus departments can then consolidate on a single credential, the NetID, for allowing access to Web applications and to authenticate users at the desktop level.
A centrally supported Active Directory would help the many UW-Madison departments and schools that now use their own Active Directory for authentication and those that lack the resources to deploy their own but want to maintain some local administration.
Active Directory is a Microsoft implementation of LDAP directory services primarily for Windows environments. (Some support also exists for Apple Macintosh users.) Its main purpose is to provide central authentication and authorization for Windows-based computers. Active Directory also enables administrators to assign policies, deploy software, and apply critical updates to an organization. Active Directory stores information and settings in a central database.
The campuswide Active Directory service will be deployed in three phases. The School of Business and campus computing labs are pilot users. For more information, email activedirectory@doit.wisc.edu.
Campus Active Directory Access Request Form
Campus Active Directory Knowledge Base
Campus Active Directory Wiki