Why Integrate Samba?
Aside from connecting UNIX and Linux systems to Windows services, there are some great benefits to Samba integration.
First, Samba is infinitely configurable. Usually when individuals want to buy or set up Samba, the systems they purchase will come with a configuration of Samba that might not support active directory. That’s because the tools for active directory aren’t there yet. By integrating Samba, you can configure a system to be uniform with multiple platforms, and it will join a server as an active directory member.
Active directory is a unique database designed to handle read and search operations, as well as some smaller changes and updates within a distributed system like Windows.
Second, samba allows for greater customization to perform any number of tasks. It’s faster at file transfer and features most of the popular drivers you would need to print from any machine.
Finally, Samba allows you to build your own authentication system when commercial options are not available. Samba is open-source and free.
Compliance Requirements
Active directory, or Active Directory Domain Services, store information, and make the same information available to the user, computer, or other applications. The most common items organized by an Active Directory are users, computers, and groups.
Linux and Windows have different ways to identify or authenticate a user or computer using Active Directory. Windows uses a security identifier, or SID, while Linux uses a 32-bit number. It’s difficult for users to communicate across different machines without rectifying these identity policies within Samba.
Fortunately, Samba lets you customize this protocol with ID mapping. Active Directory provides a unique user or group identifier, and all the Linux machines that use the authentication system will share the same ID to identify the user.
This process can be challenging and is often best remedied by a third party that specializes in Group Policy Management. If you want to save time installing and implementing Samba with Active directory, using a third-party professional is the best course of action.
Building a Hybrid Environment
Active directory helps manage multiple users accounts, improves security, and keeps all identity information secure and in one place.
This has become more important for small businesses and large enterprises, which operate in a more heterogeneous environment. Today, it’s common for companies to have desktop computers running Windows, Mac, and various iterations on Linux.
Employees are connecting to Windows and UNIX-based servers with their smartphones, making it even more challenging to secure digital assets and set identity policies that communicate across multiple clients.
More than 90 percent of small businesses fail within two years of a serious digital disaster. While the hybrid environment has its advantages, preventing an attack begins with choosing smart integration options like Samba and active Directory.