Abstract: Provided is a process including: receiving, from a first service-provider computer system, via a network, with an identity-provider computer system, a request to authenticate a user computing device; forming, with the identity-provider computer system, a first reply-configuration specification from a first plurality of configuration components; determining, with the identity-provider computer system, whether to provide authentication; forming, with the identity-provider computer system, based on the first reply-configuration specification, a reply to the request, the reply including a result of the authentication determination; and sending, with the identity-provider computer system, the reply.

Abstract: Provided is a process including: receiving, from a first service-provider computer system, via a network, with an identity-provider computer system, a request to authenticate a user computing device; forming, with the identity-provider computer system, a first reply-configuration specification from a first plurality of configuration components; determining, with the identity-provider computer system, whether to provide authentication; forming, with the identity-provider computer system, based on the first reply-configuration specification, a reply to the request, the reply including a result of the authentication determination; and sending, with the identity-provider computer system, the reply.

Abstract: A distributed computing system conforms to a multi-level, hierarchical organizational model. One or more control nodes provide for the efficient and automated allocation and management of computing functions and resources within the distributed computing system in accordance with the organization model. The model includes four distinct levels: fabric, domains, tiers and nodes that provide for the logical abstraction and containment of the physical components as well as system and service application software of the enterprise. A user, such as a system administrator, interacts with the control nodes to logically define the hierarchical organization of distributed computing system. The control nodes are responsible for all levels of management in accordance with the model, including fabric management, domain creation, tier creation and node allocation and deployment.

Abstract: A distributed computing system conforms to a multi-level, hierarchical organizational model. One or more control nodes provide for the efficient and automated allocation and management of computing functions and resources within the distributed computing system in accordance with the organization model. The model includes four distinct levels: fabric, domains, tiers and nodes that provide for the logical abstraction and containment of the physical components as well as system and service application software of the enterprise. A user, such as a system administrator, interacts with the control nodes to logically define the hierarchical organization of distributed computing system. The control node includes an automation subsystem having one or more rule engines that provide autonomic control of the application nodes in accordance with a set of one or more rules.