Conference irocz::netrider

526.0. "DRAS - Any easy way to populate the database?" by CSC32::R_BUCK (Authenticated and assimilated) Wed Mar 19 1997 18:38

    Customers setting up DRAS have made a couple of requests and
    suggestions that seem worthy of consideration for future releases.  The
    number one request is some easy way to populate the DRAS database from
    a local authentication source.  For OpenVMS, it is fairly easy to list
    out the SYSUAF records and create a command procedure to populate the
    DRAS database.  In the case of Digital UNIX and Windows NT, there is no
    way that I am aware of to get the basic user information into a DRAS
    database.  As far as I know, the DRAS database cannot be copied between
    different platforms either.
    
    One customer suggested even stonger linkages between the DRAS database
    and host tools.  For instance, DRAS user record could be removed 
    automatically when the Authorize utility is invoked to remove an
    OpenVMS user record.  This concept could be extended a lot of ways but
    obviously requires a lot of coordination with the authentication
    internals of various platforms.
    
    Templates and/or defaults for users has also been requested.  Perhaps
    a template could be used in association with a simple text file import
    to easily populate a DRAS database.  Just a thought...
    
    One last question, is there anyway, (documented or backdoor), to
    populate the DRAS database on a Windows NT server?  (Promised I would
    ask for a customer!)
    
    Thanks
    Randall Buck
    MCS - Network Support

    The request for some type of batch population of the DRAS database is
    definitely a reasonable request.  In fact, we have such a utility, but
    it is currently too limited for distribution, but we intend to enhance
    this tool and make it available to customers.  I would like to have the
    tool enhanced so that it provides import/export between DAS and a text
    formatted file, and add a basic add/delete/modify command capability
    
    Customer definable user and group defaults are also on our list.
    The good news here is that we have a new engineer coming on board next
    week to work on enhancements to the DRAS Manager tools
                      
    Dick                                   

    By the way, the DRAS database batch utility would work on all supported
    platforms.
    
    Dick

    Thanks for all the good news!  I'll make sure to set customer
    expectations that we are working on some of the desired enhancments,
    but nothing is set in concrete yet.  Certainly want to avoid promising
    anything until you guys say its a go.
    
    By the way, will proposed changed to Windows NT, i.e, usage of LDAP and
    elimination of PDC's/BDC's, thrown a monkey wrench in your plans?  
    
    Randall Buck
    MCS - Network Support