AUTHENTICATION OF USER DATABASE ACCESS

A database system and method combines the ability to concurrently utilize LDAP based authentication and operating system-based authentication. The database authentication tries both methods of authentication, both at the database layer and at the application layer. Security authentication of the user then occurs by whichever mechanism is first to return a successful result. Database administrators can, if desired, configure the system to prefer one mechanism (LDAP or operating system) over the other. With the present invention, a large end user population can be managed using standard LDAP tools, in an automated, administered, or “self-service” manner, as preferred. Thus, system accounts, such as the database owner, can remain within the operating system, easing installation and maintenance of the database product itself.