Despite the many improvements to Mac OS X 10.2 to make it more well-behaved on Microsoft networks, some Jaguar users can tell you it’s still not a perfect fit, and some IT admins resent having to make accommodations for Mac users. DAVE maker Thursby Software Systems hopes to ease this integration with its forthcoming release of ADmitMac.
ADmitMac is currently in beta development at Thursby and was previously referred to in its early development stages as the “Goliath” project. ADmitMac lets Jaguar users access Active Directory-based Microsoft networks without requiring any schema changes on the part of the administrator. Users’ home directories can be maintained on Microsoft servers and are all managed from one place. Users can log into Macs or PCs using the same account and passwords and have full access to their files and desktop settings, according to Thursby.
No other software is required to get ADmitMac to work, and no special training is needed for IT administrators, who can manage Macs in their Microsoft Windows domain. ADmitMac enables users to change passwords easily, and supports the NTFS file format as well. Secure access is provided using Kerberos, and support is offered for Microsoft Distributed File System too. ADmitMac offers a print client to enable Mac users to connect to Windows printers, also.
The ADmitMac Web site offers some details about the software’s development, Thursby’s goals in creating it, and the beta program that is currently underway. Users interested in participating are encouraged to check out the details.
Thursby plans to release ADmitMac in May. For pricing and details, contact Thursby’s sales department by e-mail or call them at 817.478.5070.