Abstract: The authentication of users on networks is performed more easily and efficiently, as follows:Authentication data sent from the application client 20 is relayed to a verification server 30 by the application server 10. The verification server 30 maintains a database of valid authentication data, against which it verifies received authentication data. Verification results are sent to the application server 10, which then processes users on the basis of these results. As a result, the configuration of application servers 10 is simplified. Verification servers or servers 30 can be used by a plurality of application servers 10, allowing for the efficient use of resources on a network.

Abstract: An authentication method for use by application servers on networks to authenticate users of the applications is provided. In the method, an application server receives authentication data from the user. The application server determines the type of authentication data received from the user and determines a suitable verification server. The received authentication data is sent together with the identification data of the user to a verification server. The verification server verifies whether the sent authentication data is the authentication data of the user designated by the sent identification data. The verification server notifies the application server of the verification result and, on the basis of the returned verification result, the application server authenticates the user.

Abstract: A method for authenticating users on networks includes an application server requesting a user host to send authentication data to a verification server. The verification server maintains a database of valid authentication data, against which it compares and verifies the authentication data it receives from the user host. The verification result is sent to the application server, which authenticates the user based on the result. Therefore, the configuration of the application server is simplified. The verification server can be used by a plurality of application servers, allowing for the efficient use of resources on a network.