Abstract: A system and method of providing associations between resources and actions in a network includes the steps of providing, in a database schema an action object class defining the structure and attributes of actions available in the network. During operation, action objects are created and stored in a database. When a user enters the system, an internal list is created at that user, identifying the resources available to that user and the action objects capable of being performed on those resources. When a user selects an resource object, the action objects associated with that resource object are displayed, the user selects the action, and the action is performed at the resource. In one example the selection of an action objects cause an associated application to be launched. Each action object represents a string of executable code.

Abstract: A system and method for managing user accounts in a distributed network that provides authentication to a client user account is provided. The system authenticates a user to a directory services database having a set of credential information, and a number of workstation objects and creates a user account on the client according to configuration information associated with one of the workstation objects. Depending on the configuration information, the system will create the user account with the same set of credential information as a user account in the directory services database, or, create the user account with credentials having an alternate username and random password. The system is operable to store client workstation configuration information, and to associate other networking objects in the directory services database with the workstation object.