The Citrix MetaFrame Password Manager provides a relatively straightforward means of managing various application passwords and automating the application log-on process. In fact, it appears deceptively simple, although it can offer fairly comprehensive functionality. The Password Manager Agent sits on the client, while the Password Manager Console is located at a convenient central point.
Policies and agent details may be configured and managed centrally in the usual manner. However, users may use the supplied Logon Manager to configure their own applications for single sign-on, which might suit smaller networks and work groups. The Password Manager Console is a convenient way of administering applications, password policies, agents, directories and password-sharing groups.
Here, several applications share password credentials and associated rules, thus simplifying update administration. Whether you think this is a good idea will depend on the applications you run and your perspective, but it might be useful when a user needs to access several applications – to perform a task, for example.
If your organization is running MetaFrame Presentation Server and other Citrix applications, then the MetaFrame Password Manager may be integrated accordingly.
Microsoft and Novell environments and directories are supported, although the credential store could alternatively be located as a file store. Smart-card support is also provided and roving users are supported, as are log-on timeouts.
Installation is straightforward, although license activation for the Password Manager Console is a little too complex. Documentation is provided in the form of a PDF manual and integral help files, which cover just about everything you need to know – although we would prefer a printed manual as an aid for busy administrators.
The product provides flexible and easy to use and administer SSO functionality that will suit a broad cross-section of users.
