Abstract: A method for creating and maintaining user home directories and providing for user access across a heterogeneous network of managed servers based on the user account information of the central server. Upon determination that the function of home directories is supported, the target server name is determined and the type of server is extracted from the target server. Based on the server type, appropriate commands are issued to create the necessary directories on the target server. After establishment of the directories, access rights are established to enable the directory to be shared and available to the user through client systems in the network. Connections to the home directory are then made when a request is initiated by the user.

Abstract: A method for managing user group information in a distributed system comprising a heterogeneous server network. The method enables the establishment of a specified set of user groups on a managed server that are not controlled by a central server. A mechanism is provided to identify the user groups on the managed server, store the groups in a persistent location, and access the user groups during synchronization processing. Synchronization of the persistent user groups at the managed server is done only upon consultation with the persistent account store. The result is a set of user groups on the managed server that can be used to maintain special access and privileges to the persistent user group at the managed server.

Abstract: A method for creating and updating user accounts at a central server that provides for establishment and synchronization of associated user accounts at a heterogeneous network of managed servers based on the user account information of the central server. This enables the network to consist of a heterogeneous set of servers that are executing with the same operating system or subsystem as the central server, and servers that are executing with a different operating system or subsystem as the central server. The updates to the user accounts on the managed servers are synchronized automatically without systems administrator or user intervention. Updates to the user account are based on central server information and can include password changes, initial resource access or other user account attributes.

Abstract: A method for establishing user group accounts in a heterogeneous central server. User groups are established on one type of server that is the central server in the server network which is used to create a corresponding user group account on different types of managed servers in the server network. After establishment of the user group, the server where the initial group was established ensures all group updates, such as change in membership or change in group capabilities are replicated across the server domain. Resources that exist on the network of servers can then have access managed through the usage of user groups. Use and access to the network is more consistent across servers due to ease of management through the use of user groups.

Abstract: A method of creating a user defined alias for a targeted shared resource in heterogeneous server network. The method begins in response to a request by a systems administrator to create an alias at the central server for a targeted shared resource. A determination of the type of targeted server is made. An appropriate request to create or access a directory or resource is created and defined in a central server. Once created in the central server the alias may be updated or deleted by the user on any managed server within a heterogeneous server domain.

Abstract: A method for enabling target servers in a network server environment to control determination of a full synchronization update on a target server from a central server. Administrative privileges are used to establish a link on the target server to force a request from the target server back to the central server for initialization of a full synchronization on the target server. The request will be such that the central server will determine full synchronization is necessary based on the status of the managed server.