Sun Microsystems and Citrix, Smart Cards manual Sun Ray Requirements, Smart Card Requirements

Page 8

Sun Ray Requirements

Configuring your Sun Ray Server to allow smart card support for Citrix sessions requires the following steps:

1.Ensure that you are running a current version of Solaris that supports Sun Ray Server Software 2.0.

2.Apply the latest Solaris Cluster Patch.

3.Apply the latest Sun Ray Server Patch 114880.

The current version as of this document is 114880-04

4.Ensure that smart card middleware is installed on the Citrix Server

5.Install the Sun Ray PC/SC Bypass package.

Patch 114880-04 or later must be installed prior to installation

6.Configure/test Citrix ICA Client for Solaris/SPARC.

The first four steps are either general Solaris administration tasks or are beyond the scope of this document, such as installing third-party middleware on the Citrix Server. The steps that deal with installing Sun Ray PC/SC Bypass and configuring and testing the ICA client are covered in detail below.

Smart Card Requirements

Microsoft Windows natively supports a limited number of smart cards. It is important to have the correct drivers for the smart cards to be used in this environment. Support for various smart cards varies by smart card client software (often referred to as middleware) installed on the Citrix Server. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card is not natively supported by Windows and requires that middleware be installed on the Citrix Server (i.e. ActivCard for CAC, Netsign CAC, Schlumberger CACtus, etc.).

Cards supported with Windows 2003 Server can be viewed here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url= /technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/proddocs/entserver/sag_SC_us e_sctypes.asp

Cards supported with Windows 2000 Server can be viewed here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/en/server/help/default.asp?url =/windows2000/en/server/help/sag_SC_use_sctypes.htm

4 Sun Ray, Smart Cards, and Citrix • May 2004

Image 8
Contents Sun Ray , Smart Cards, and Citrix Page Contents Iv Book Title Month Enabling Sun Ray Smart Card Pass-through to Citrix OverviewSun Ray Server Software and Patches Software RequirementsSolaris Operating Environment Hardware Requirements Sun Ray PC/SC BypassCitrix Client Microsoft/Citrix Server ComponentsSun Ray Requirements Smart Card RequirementsInstallation Notes Installing the Sun Ray PC/SC BypassConfiguring and Testing Citrix Smart Card Support To Install and Configure Citrix ICA ClientCitrix ICA Client for Solaris window appears Connection Properties Screen appears Windows Desktop with Prompt for PIN-based Login Required Reading/Other Resources

Smart Cards, and Citrix specifications

Sun Microsystems was a technology company renowned for its contributions to computing and network systems. Founded in 1982 and famously recognized for its work in developing powerful servers, workstations, and the Solaris operating system, Sun played a critical role in the evolution of the tech industry. One notable aspect of Sun's innovation was its participation in identity management and security systems, particularly through collaboration with technologies like smart cards.

Smart cards are plastic cards embedded with microprocessors that offer secure capabilities such as authentication, storage, and security functions. They are utilized primarily in banking, telecommunications, and secure access control systems. With Sun’s strong focus on networked systems, its integration with smart card technology enhanced user authentication and management processes, thereby providing robust security solutions for its clients.

Citrix Systems, on the other hand, is a leading provider of virtualization technology and remote workspace solutions. Founded in 1989, Citrix specializes in application virtualization and desktop delivery, allowing users to access applications and data from any device with internet connectivity. One of Citrix's prominent products is Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, which enables companies to deploy secure virtual desktops and applications to a diverse workforce.

The integration of smart cards into Citrix's ecosystem facilitates a more secure environment for virtualized applications. Users can access their virtual desktops and applications securely using smart cards, which serve as authentication tools. This eliminates the need for traditional username and password combinations, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Smart cards are characterized by their physical and technological features. Typically, they contain embedded integrated circuits that manage data and communication securely. They come in various types: contact-based cards that require physical insertion into a reader and contactless cards that use NFC technology for ease of authentication.

Some key features of smart cards include two-factor authentication, data encryption, and secure storage capabilities. By employing smart card technology, enterprises can enhance their security protocols, ensuring that sensitive information and resources remain protected.

In summary, the convergence of Sun Microsystems' network expertise and Citrix's virtualization capabilities, combined with the robustness of smart card technology, illustrates a significant advancement in identity security and system access management. This collaboration enables organizations to operate efficiently while maintaining a high standard of security in an increasingly digital landscape.