The VMS Authentication Module (VAM) provides users of OpenVMS systems controlled access to both user-written applications and the OpenVMS system overall using SecurID. It can be incorporated into an OpenVMS-based platform in two ways:
• Via an API that the user incorporates into a specific application to control access to that application
• On a system-wide basis via use of the LGI callouts for OpenVMS LOGINOUT.EXE.
Chapter 3, Using VAM, describes the two mechanisms and how they are implemented.
This guide describes the VMS Authentication Module (VAM) software. It covers the following topics: software installation, configuration, and server monitoring and control.
Before using VAM, you should be familiar with:
• Computer networks in general
• OpenVMS operating system and file system
• The TCP/IP stack (MultiNet, TCPware, or HP’s OpenVMS TCP/IP software) you’re using
This guide has the following contents:
• Chapter 1, Before You Begin, explains what you need to prepare for an installation.
• Chapter 2, Installing VAM, provides a step-by-step procedure for executing the software installation.
• Chapter 3, Using VAM, explains how to configure VAM authentication options.
• Chapter 4, Using the VAM API, describes how to integrate the VAM API into a user-written application.
There is no online help for VAM.
Process Software maintains two public mailing lists for VAM customers:
• Info-VAM@process.com
• VAM-Announce@process.com
The Info-VAM@process.com mailing list is a forum for discussion among VAM system managers and programmers. Questions and problems regarding VAM can be posted for a response by any of the subscribers. To subscribe to info-VAM, send a mail message with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the body to Info-VAM-request@process.com.
You can retrieve the Info-VAM archives by anonymous FTP to ftp.multinet.process.com. The archives are located in the directory [.MAIL_ARCHIVES.INFO-VAM].
The VAM-Announce@process.com mailing list is a one-way communication (from Process Software to you) used for the posting of announcements relating to VAM (patch releases, product releases, etc.). To subscribe to VAM-Announce, send a mail message with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the body to VAM-Announce-request@process.com.
You can use the following customer support services for information and help about VAM and other Process Software products if you subscribe to our Product Support Services. (If you bought VAM products through an authorized Process Software reseller, contact your reseller for technical support.) Contact Technical Support directly using the following methods:
E-mail relays your question to us quickly and allows us to respond, as soon as we have information for you. Send e-mail to support@process.com. Be sure to include your:
– Name
– Telephone number
– Company name
– Process Software product name and version number
– Operating system name and version number
Describe the problem in as much detail as possible. You should receive an immediate automated response telling you that your call was logged.
If calling within the continental United States or Canada, call Process Software Technical Support toll-free at 1-800-394-8700. If calling from outside the continental United States or Canada, dial +1-508-628-5074. Please be ready to provide your name, company name, and telephone number.
There is a variety of useful technical information available on our World Wide Web home page, http://www.process.com (select Support).
VAM includes a software license that entitles you to install and use it on one machine. Please read and understand the Software License Agreement before installing the product. If you want to use VAM on more than one machine, you need to purchase additional licenses. Contact Process Software or your distributor for details.
Process Software offers a variety of software maintenance and support services. Contact us or your distributor for details about these services.
The VAM Administration and User’s Guide includes Reader's Comments as the last page. If you find an error in this guide or have any other comments about it, please let us know. Return a completed copy of the Reader's Comments page, or send e-mail to techpubs@process.com.
Please make your comments specific, including page references whenever possible. We would appreciate your comments about our documentation.
The documentation set for VAM consists of the following:
• Administration and User’s Guide — For system managers, general users, and those installing the software. The guide provides installation and configuration instructions for the VAM products.
• Release Notes for the current version of VAM — For all users, system managers, and application programmers. The Release Notes are available online on your VAM media and are accessible before or after software installation.
|
Convention |
Meaning |
|
host |
Any computer system on the network. The local host is your computer. A remote host is any other computer. |
|
monospaced type |
System output or user input. User input is in bold type.Example: Is this configuration correct? YES Monospaced type also indicates user input where the case of the entry should be preserved. |
|
italic type |
Variable value in commands and examples. For example, username indicates that you must substitute your actual username. Italic text also identifies documentation references. |
|
[directory] |
Directory name in an OpenVMS file specification. Include the brackets in the specification. |
|
[optional-text] |
(Italicized text and square brackets) Enclosed information is optional. Do not include the brackets when entering the information.Example: START/IP line address [info] This command indicates that the info parameter is optional. |
|
{value | value} |
Denotes that you should use only one of the given values. Do not include the braces or vertical bars when entering the value. |
|
Note! |
Information that follows is particularly noteworthy. |
|
CAUTION! |
Information that follows is critical in preventing a system interruption or security breach. |
|
key |
Press the specified key on your keyboard. |
|
Ctrl/key |
Press the control key and the other specified key simultaneously. |
|
Return |
Press the Return or Enter key on your keyboard. |
