ProMobi Technologies announced today that Scalefusion, its leading unified endpoint management solution (UEM), introduces Veltar, an innovative endpoint security product. Designed to enhance the enterprise security posture, Veltar combines advanced threat protection with seamless device management, enabling organizations to operate confidently in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Veltar has been introduced to tackle the critical challenges posed by fragmented security tools and limited visibility into devices and their security. With the addition of Veltar, Scalefusion now seamlessly combines unified endpoint management (UEM), identity and access management (IAM), and endpoint security (EPS) into one comprehensive solution. As the third pillar of the product, Veltar aims to complete the solution so users can now effectively manage devices, access, and security within organizations.
With Veltar, IT admins get a curated set of security tools with the prime goal of protecting data loss, securing data at rest and in motion. Its features include VPN tunneling to secure data transmission to and from on-prem assets, secure web gateway (SWG) to block domains and websites based on categories, application control to ensure only trusted software runs on your devices, and I/O device control, among others.
“Veltar marks a major leap forward in endpoint security and management, bringing crucial security features together into a single platform. It is a critical component that combines endpoint security driven by the insights of device management. We had a goal of enabling enterprises to enhance their security posture while simplifying device, identity and access management and Veltar is the third piece of the puzzle.” — said Sriram Kakarala, Chief Product Officer at Scalefusion
Veltar is designed for organizations looking to streamline operations, and management of devices that hold critical data without compromising security.
About Scalefusion Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
When managing user information and network resources, think of LDAP and Active Directory (AD) as two powerful tools in your digital toolbox. Suppose you’re organizing a large library. LDAP is like a universal cataloging system that helps you find any book from various libraries, regardless of its location. It provides a way to look up and manage the books, but it doesn’t come with the actual shelves or library services.
On the other hand, Active Directory is akin to a well-organized, high-tech library system that not only catalogs books but also manages everything in a library, from checking books in and out to controlling access to special collections.
LDAP or Active Directory: Which to Use and When
It’s a comprehensive system specifically designed to handle all the needs of a Windows-based library or network.
So, what sets these two apart?
Difference Between LDAP and Active Directory
LDAP
Active Directory
Overview
LDAP, or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, is a protocol used for accessing and managing directory services. It’s like a set of rules that help applications communicate with a directory service. Think of LDAP as a universal language for talking to directories.
Active Directory (AD), developed by Microsoft, is a directory service used mainly in Windows environments. It’s like a giant address book for your network, keeping track of all users, computers, and resources.
Purpose
LDAP’s main job is to organize and retrieve information from a directory. It’s not a directory itself but rather a way to interact with one.
AD is used to manage and organize users, computers, and other resources in a network. It’s more than just a protocol, it’s a full directory service with built-in management tools.
Structure
LDAP directories are often structured as a tree with various branches, which makes it easy to navigate and find information.
In AD, assets are sorted into one of three tiers, domains, trees, and Forests. It includes features like Group Policy and Domain Services, which help manage network resources and user permissions.
Flexibility
LDAP can be used with different directory services and is often employed in various systems like email servers and corporate databases.
AD is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Windows environments, offering a range of tools and features for system administrators.
Use Cases
Ideal for querying and modifying directory information across various environments, including Unix and Linux systems. It’s versatile and can be used in diverse setups where different directory services are involved.
Best suited for managing users and resources in a Windows-based network. It’s commonly used in corporate environments where integration with other Microsoft services is essential.
Integrations
Works with a variety of directory services beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem. Its broad compatibility makes it suitable for integrating with different systems and platforms.
Specifically designed for Windows environments. It integrates deeply with other Microsoft products, offering features like Group Policy and Domain Services that enhance its functionality in a Windows-centric setup.
Similarities Between LDAP and Active Directory
Despite their differences, LDAP and Active Directory (AD) share several key similarities:
Directory Services
Both LDAP and Active Directory are integral to managing directory services. They play an important role in storing, organizing, and retrieving information about users, devices, and other network resources. Whether you’re using LDAP or AD, both systems help keep track of this critical data, ensuring it’s accessible and well-organized.
Hierarchical Structure
LDAP and Active Directory utilize a hierarchical structure to organize information. This tree-like structure makes it easier to locate and manage data within their directories. By arranging data in a hierarchy, both systems allow for efficient data retrieval and organization, simplifying administrative tasks.
Authentication and Authorization
Both LDAP and Active Directory are used to authenticate and authorize users. They ensure that individuals can only access the resources and information they are permitted to use. This process helps secure the network and control access, making sure that sensitive data and resources are protected from unauthorized users.
While LDAP is a protocol used for accessing directory services, Active Directory supports LDAP as one of its communication protocols. This means that LDAP clients can interact with Active Directory servers using the LDAP protocol, providing a level of compatibility and flexibility between the two systems.
Centralized Management
Both LDAP and Active Directory offer centralized management capabilities. This feature allows administrators to manage users and resources from a single location. Centralized management streamlines administrative tasks, making it easier to oversee and control various aspects of the network and directory services.
When to Use LDAP
If your organization needs a flexible, protocol-based solution for directory services, LDAP is a strong candidate. It is ideal when you require a versatile system that can interact with various directory services and platforms, regardless of their specific technology. For example, if you’re managing user accounts across a diverse set of systems, LDAP provides a standardized method for accessing and updating directory information. Its protocol-centric design makes it highly adaptable, allowing integration with different types of directory services without being tied to a particular vendor or technology stack.
LDAP is also suitable for environments where you need to interact with multiple types of directory systems or where a universal directory service is necessary. In scenarios where you are integrating with third-party systems or applications, its flexibility ensures seamless communication and data retrieval.
When to Use Active Directory
Active Directory is often the best choice for businesses predominantly using Windows as their operating system. Designed and developed by Microsoft, AD offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services specifically tailored for Windows environments. If your organization operates within a Windows-based network, AD seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Exchange, SharePoint, and Office 365. This integration enhances efficiency by allowing admins to manage users, computers, and resources from a central point.
AD’s built-in features, like Group Policy, Domain Services, and Federation Services, further simplify administrative tasks. Group Policy allows for centralized management of settings and permissions across the network, while Domain Services handle user authentication and resource access. Federation Services enables single sign-on across different systems and applications. AD’s deep integration with Windows platforms and Microsoft services makes it the ideal choice for managing a Windows-centric network environment.
Simplify and Strengthen Access Management
Choosing between LDAP and Active Directory involves understanding your organization’s specific needs and infrastructure. LDAP offers flexibility and cross-platform compatibility, making it a versatile solution for diverse environments and various directory services. On the other hand, Active Directory is modified for Windows-centric setups, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that seamlessly integrate with Microsoft products for network management.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on aligning the solution with your access management goals and technical work-frame.
About Scalefusion Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
