DirXML® is an award-winning data-sharing and synchronization solution that revolutionizes how you manage data. This service leverages Novell® eDirectoryTM to synchronize, transform, and distribute information across applications, databases, and directories.
When data from one system changes, DirXML detects and propagates these changes to other connected entities based on the business rules you define. This solution enables you to enforce authoritative data sources for any particular piece of data (for example, an HR application owns a user's ID, while a messaging system might own a user's e-mail account information).
DirXML lets an application (such as SAP*, PeopleSoft*, Lotus Notes*, Microsoft* Exchange, Active Directory*, and others) do the following:
Share data with eDirectory.
Synchronize shared data through eDirectory when it is modified in the application database.
Synchronize shared data through the application database when it is modified in eDirectory.
DirXML does this by providing a bidirectional framework that allows administrators to specify which data will flow from eDirectory to the application and from the application to eDirectory. The framework uses XML to provide data and event translation capabilities that convert eDirectory data and events into the specified application-specific format. It also converts application-specific formats into a format that can be understood by eDirectory. All interactions with the application take place using the application's native API.
DirXML lets you select only the eDirectory attributes and classes that correspond to relevant application-specific records and fields. For example, an eDirectory database can choose to share User-type objects with a Human Resources database but not share network resource objects such as Servers, Printers, and Volumes. The Human Resources database can in turn share users' given names, surnames, initials, telephone numbers, and work locations with eDirectory but not share the users' family information and employment history.
If eDirectory doesn't have classes or attributes for data you want to share with other applications, you can extend the eDirectory schema to include them. In this case, eDirectory becomes a repository of information that eDirectory does not need, but which other applications can use. The application-specific database maintains the repository for the information that is required only by the application.
DirXML accomplishes the following tasks:
Uses eDirectory events to capture changes in the eDirectory data store.
Centralizes or distributes data management by acting as a hub to pull all the data together.
Exposes directory data in XML format, allowing it to be used and shared by XML applications or applications integrated through DirXML.
Controls the flow of data using specific filters that govern data elements defined in the system.
Enforces authoritative data sources by using permissions and filters.
Applies rules to directory data that is in an XML format. These rules govern the interpretation and transformation of the data as changes flow through DirXML.
Transforms the data from XML into virtually any data format. This provides DirXML the ability to share data with any application.
Carefully maintains associations between eDirectory objects and objects within all other integrated systems, in order to ensure that data changes are appropriately reflected across all integrated systems.
With DirXML, your business can simplify HR processes, reduce data management costs, build customer relationships through highly customized service, and remove interoperability barriers that inhibit success. Below are several examples activities that DirXML enables:
Activity
DirXML Solution
Manage User Accounts
With a single operation:
DirXML grants or removes access for an employee to resources almost immediately.
DirXML provides automated employee provisioning capability where a new employee has access to network, e-mail, applications, resources, and so forth.
DirXML can also restrict or disable access upon termination or leave.
Track and Integrate Asset Inventory
DirXML can add profiles for all asset inventory items (computers, monitors, phones, library resources, chairs, desks, etc.) to eDirectory and integrate them with user profiles such as individuals, departments, or organizations.
Automate White/Yellow Page Directories
DirXML can create unified directories with varying levels of information for internal and external use. External directories might contain only e-mail addresses; internal directories might include location, phone, fax, cell, home address, etc.
Enhance User Profiles
DirXML augments user profiles by adding or synchronizing information such as e-mail address, phone number, home address, preferences, reporting relationships, hardware assets, phone, keys, inventory, and more.
Unify Communications Access
DirXML simplifies network, phone, pagers, Web, wireless access, etc. for individual users or groups by synchronizing directories for each to a common management interface.
Strengthen Partner Relationships
DirXML strengthens partnerships by creating profiles (employee, customer, etc.) in partner systems outside the firewall to enable partners to provide immediate service as needed.
Improve Supply Chain
DirXML improves customer services by recognizing and consolidating instances of multiple accounts per customer.
Build Customer Loyalty
DirXML offers new services in response to recognizing customer needs as a result of viewing data together that was previously isolated in silos.
Customize Service
DirXML provides users (employees, customers, partners, etc.) with profiles complete with synchronized information, including relationships, status, and service records.
These profiles can be used to provide varying levels of access to services and information, and offer real-time, customized services based on a customer's standing.
