Centrify has released Centrify Suite 2008, the company's first bundle of its Active Directory identity and access control software for cross-platform environments. Centrify Suite 2008 contains a new version of DirectControl, DirectAudit, and new software for Unix and Linux called DirectAuthorize. The suite includes one installer for all three applications, simplifying installation.

DirectControl enables non-Microsoft platforms to use the same authentication and Group Policy services deployed for Windows. DirectControl 4.2 simplifies deployment of Macs in the Active Directory environment and adds support for smart-card login. For Macs that have one user, there is now an option for a simpler, one-click setup. Administrators also no longer need to configure zones for Mac deployment. DirectControl 4.2 also adds keberos-based single sign-on to Active Directory for Macs using three types of smart cards: .NET used in larger business networks, Common Access Card (CAC) used by the US Department of Defense, and the Personal Identification Verification (PIV) used by the US Department of Homeland Security.

"There's been a lot of interest in the federal market to diversify their platforms and offer their users a choice," said David McNeely, Centify's director of product management.

The new application in the Centrify Suite, DirectAuthorize 1.0, provides role-based privilege management and enforcement for Unix and Linux systems in Active Directory environments.

Centrify DirectAudit provides auditing, logging and real-time monitoring of user activity on non-Microsoft systems.

Centrify Suite 2008 Standard Edition consists of DirectControl and DirectAuthorize, starting at US $350 per server. Centrify Suite 2008 Enterprise Edition includes DirectControl, DirectAuthorize, and DirectAudit, and starts at $750 per server.