The suite of APIs allows developers to seamlessly integrate with Polycom RealPresence video solutions such as provisioning, scheduling, directory services, user management, conference control, authentication, and billing.

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User identity directory consolidation was a big issue in 2003.

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The company will also announce next week a 60-day free trial of the Red Hat Network, available through www.redhat.com , that will include access to directory services, outbound user notifications, an automated stream of open-source software, and access to community support forums.

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The lists can be integrated with existing firewall user databases or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol files.

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Who remembers Amazon Auctions, for example, or Amapedia, Amazon's attempt to build a Wikipedia-like user-generated product directory?

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Though Nextdoor is currently free of advertisements, the site plans a directory of local businesses that could link to user recommendations, like a Yellow Pages-Yelp mashup.

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For example, the company recently announced a partnership with Okta, which provides for user management and control (such as with Active Directory).

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Novell has always done well with network engineers and other technical types in user organizations, but the decision to go with something as strategic as an enterprise directory is made at a much higher level.

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