Likewise, a provider of software for integrating Linux, Unix, and Mac systems with Windows environments, will be demonstrating how VMware vSphere 4.1 uses the Likewise Identity Service to integrate the hypervisor (ESX or ESXi) securely on networks using Microsoft's Active Directory (AD).

Likewise joins both physical and virtual desktops and servers running Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X to an organization's existing network using AD. This provides a single, secure framework for authentication and access control in mixed networks.

"It was about a year ago that VMware first selected Likewise to provide the directory integration technology for their next release of vSphere," said Barry Crist, CEO, Likewise. "We're demonstrating the benefits of vSphere with licensed Likewise technology, plus more to show how security can be incorporated in a virtualization initiative right from its inception."

Active Directory provides a secure, enterprise-ready solution for centralized identity management, authentication, and access control. Administrators of VMware ESX and ESXi can join those systems to Active Directory using Likewise technology so users only need their AD password to log in, and admins can securely delegate management tasks to users based on their AD credentials.