Sun Microsystems has gone ahead and introduced enhancements to its identity management software suite. Regarded as the pioneer, Sun Java System Identity Manager 7.0 combines user provisioning. This involves the process of creation, updation and deletion of user access across applications and systems along with identity auditing, analyzing of systems and process for the purpose of identity control violations, addressing policy exceptions and notification to corporate compliance officers regarding violations. It supports Solaris 10 Operating System. To be made available in the fourth quarter of 2006, the pricing would be based on per user basis.

With this combination, customers of Sun would not be required to manage two separate processes, bridge the gap between IT security and auditors responsible for compliance with regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley. This latest version enables enterprises to check and confirm that identities are in compliance with audit policy before access is granted. With its identity auditing capabilities, one can undertake reviews and proactive scanning for ensuring consistent policy enforcement and repeatable processes. This ensures early detection and notification of identity policy violations which helps in reducing their impact.