Authenticating users to IBM Flex System Manager

Authentication is the process that IBM® Flex System Manager uses to determine if the identity claimed by a user, a system, or an application is correct. The process of authenticating users involves a user registry and an authentication mechanism. With user authentication, you can access and manage resources with the IBM Flex System Manager Web interface.

About this task

Note: Network Information Services is not supported by IBM Flex System Manager.
  • User authentication
    User authentication is the security mechanism by which a user's credentials that are used to access a system are verified. After authentication, a user can access the system. However, to access a specific resource or perform a specific task, the user must also have the appropriate authorization. Authentication prevents unauthorized management servers or rogue managed-system applications from accessing the resources.
  • Users and groups
    In IBM Flex System Manager, users and user groups are based on users and groups that are defined in the configured registry. IBM Flex System Manager uses the user and group information for authentication and authorization.
  • Using Active Directory
    IBM Flex System Manager supports Microsoft Active Directory as an external user registry on an outboard Microsoft Windows server.
  • Editing user properties
    IBM Flex System Manager provides the capability to create, update, or delete users or groups in only the local user registry. You can create new users, user groups, and chassis roles from the management software web interface or command-line interface.
  • Logging in with a temporary password after a password reset
    Use this information to log in with a temporary password in the IBM Flex System Manager management software web interface or command-line interface (CLI).
Parent topic: Users, user groups, and roles