Likewise Enterprise > FAQ



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find out more about Likewise Software and our solutions

What is the Likewise Software mission?

Likewise Software is dedicated to building enterprise software that address the most challenging interoperability issues that enterprise organizations face today – network security, identity management, regulatory compliance, and increased budget pressures.

Since its inception, Likewise Software has worked to make Linux, UNIX and Mac systems interoperable with Microsoft Windows Active Directory, specifically seamlessly integrating these systems into Active Directory to simplify networks.

Supporting our customers from beginning to end is very important to us – from evaluation and proof of concept to full enterprise deployment support and NIS migration Likewise Software has industry leaders in place to guarantee your success.

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What interoperability challenges does Likewise Software solve?

Likewise Software provides solutions for a variety of Windows, Linux, UNIX and Mac interoperability challenges. From helping you integrate non-Windows systems into Active Directory to providing better security for your mixed network to guiding you through a NIS migration – Likewise Software has solutions to help organizations successfully overcome these challenges.

Likewise Enterprise solves several interoperability challenges – Active Directory Integration, Single Sign-On for Applications, Regulatory Compliance, Group Policy Management, Network Security, NIS Migration and SuDo Management. Learn more about our solutions

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How does Likewise Software Likewise Enterprise work with your existing infrastructure?

Likewise Enterprise allows you to join Linux, UNIX, and Mac machines to Active Directory. Once the Linux/UNIX machines have been joined to AD, a user who has been provisioned for UNIX and Linux access can now interactively login to the Linux/Unix machine with his or her Active Directory credentials. The user can also access any kerberized services that the Linux/UNIX machine hosts. In order to do this, you must:

  1. Install the Likewise Enterprise Agent on Linux, UNIX or Mac machines turning them into Active Directory clients
  2. Join these machines to Active Directory from a graphical tool or through deployment scripts
  3. Install the Likewise Enterprise Management Tools to configure Active Directory to store UNIX and Linux information
  4. Existing Active Directory management tools are then used to manage non-Windows systems and configure Group Policies for UNIX and Linux

Read more about how Likewise Enterprise seamless integrates with your existing infrastructure

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What is distinctive about Likewise Software?

Products and tools are only one side of the equation. A lot of vendors claim that they will support you through your deployment yet they nickel and dime you as each new challenge arises.

In order for our customers to be 100% successful in executing an interoperability strategy, they need to partner with a vendor that has the expertise and the commitment to ensure success.

With the Likewise Software's Enterprise Delivery Model, we leverage our deep in-house expertise to apply best practices and deliver positive results to our customers. Our method of support guides you through 4 key steps: Discovery, Analysis, Deployment and Control. So, you can rest assured that you will be supported during your deployment and migration.

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What are the main benefits of Likewise Enterprise?


Operational Efficiency.

Likewise Enterprise seamlessly integrates Linux, UNIX and Mac systems into Microsoft Active Directory. It greatly simplifies user account management by allowing administrators to manage users and computers for all systems in their mixed network through a single identity management system.

Demonstration of Regulatory Compliance.

Likewise Enterprise allows you to centralize authentication for your mixed network in Microsoft Active Directory. UNIX, Linux, Mac and Windows users can be easily provisioned and de-provisioned using Active Directory. Administrators have more granular control over system access to critical computing devices by enforcing consistent security policies through Active Directory. The built-in reporting features make it easy to view access privileges for all users, groups, containers, and systems managed with Likewise Enterprise. Administrators, compliance auditors, and security auditors can have the necessary supporting documentation showing access privileges for your network.

Improved Network Security.

Likewise Enterprise allows you to centrally enforce enterprise-wide security policies through Microsoft Active Directory. Likewise Enterprise group policies, such as SuDo, also allow you more granular control over the security of your network. And once you’ve de-provisioned users from Active Directory they are de-provisioned for all systems that have been joined to Active Directory — significantly increasing the security of your network.

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