In case you missed it, the following email was set to all IT specialists from Paul Exter, regarding Centrify. We would like to add that after the June 1 deadline, QAS will no longer be provided for new installs and the MCU (Management Console for UNIX, a.k.a. web console) will be taken offline.
Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 7:59 AM
Exter, Paul
Bcc: gs_it_all@usgs.gov
Information Technology Specialists,
The Bureau UNIX Technical Support Team (BUTST) has successfully completed the testing and piloting of the Department-wide solution for integrating non-Windows systems into Active Directory (AD). The previous product, Quest Authentication Services (QAS), has now been replaced by Centrify and provides a improved AD integration solution. The USGS has acquired 2,000 Centrify licenses that will be targeted initially for USGS Apple Macintosh laptop and desktop systems in order to provide Two Factor Authentication (TFA) capabilities. After successful implementation of Apple, the USGS will begin phases for Unix and Linux systems in 2017.
We are requesting USGS sites replace the QAS solution with the Centrify client on all Apple Macintosh laptop and desktop systems. Once installed, the Centrify solution will provide the ability to take advantage of Active Directory client management capabilities such as Group Policy management for configuration management similar to Windows clients today. The instructions for installing Centrify are located on the BUTST webpage http://tst.usgs.gov/applications/asset-management/centrify/.
As a reminder, all desktop and laptop systems are required to use Two Factor Authentication. The Centrify product will allow Apple Macintosh systems to meet this requirement.
The due date for completion on Apple Macintosh systems across USGS is June 1, 2016. To assist in this requirement, Enterprise Information and BUTST will provide WebEx training that will cover all aspects of installing Centrify and to help answer any technical questions. The schedule for this WebEx training can be found at: http://ecomputing.usgs.gov/training.html
Enterprise Information is covering the initial purchase cost for this software bureau-wide. Costs associated with Unix and Linux systems has not been determined.
For all technical questions related to Centrify please contact the USGS Service Desk (servicedesk@usgs.gov, 703-648-4357). For any other questions or concerns please contact the Bureau UNIX Technical Support Team (gs_butst_core@usgs.gov).
Thank You,
Paul E. Exter
Chief Technology Officer
