In this article, we will look at Wren Security products as an alternative to the well-known OpenAM, OpenIDM a OpenDJ products – originally open-source projects from ForgeRock. 

Wren:AM, Wren:IDM and Wren:DS are designed to provide modern and supported technologies for those already accustomed to OpenAM, OpenIDM and OpenDJ. Backward compatibility allows for a smooth transition without disrupting the normal operation of your systems. However, they also guarantee you innovation in the form of the latest technologies and support that form the cornerstones of any functional security system.

Upgrade: not only a necessity, but also an opportunity

OpenAM, OpenIDM and OpenDJ as we know them in open-source form have not received updates since 2016. However, in the digital world, apart from adding new features, regular software maintenance is crucial. Unupdated technologies are vulnerable, whether it’s the software itself or supporting tools such as Java or application servers. To keep your system secure, it is essential to ensure that it is constantly updated and to guarantee ongoing support and development. This is where Wren Security comes in with Wren:AM, Wren:IDM and Wren:DS, offering not only upgraded versions of your favourite products, but also commercial support and maintenance. So, if you are running any of the legacy projects, upgrading to Wren products is the easiest way to ensure that the systems in your organization are functional, secure and supported well into the future.

The alternative? No. A direct successor!

The actual migration from OpenAM to Wren:AM or from OpenIDM to Wren:IDM is a straightforward process thanks to backward compatibility. Your systems will work as before. The products are not just an alternative to the original OpenAM, OpenIDM and OpenDJ products, but a direct successor to them.

Usually, however, the transition will not just be a matter of updating your existing system to the latest version. Most migrations to Wren:AM or Wren:IDM are associated with process and integration improvements, user interface innovations or deployment enhancements – for example, moving to containerized operation.

A significant advantage of working with Orchitech is the provision of guaranteed maintenance and support for implemented systems. This results in trouble-free operation in the future, quick resolution of any incidents and continuous monitoring of the functionality of all systems. You get a compliant solution and your IT department can focus on other strategic business priorities.

Moreover, Wren Security projects represent a cost-effective alternative to competing solutions. This is mainly because Orchitech’s implementations and subsequent services are not licensed based on the number of users, but are based only on the complexity of the project, determined by, for example, source and target systems, required integrations and the variety of supported processes. The total cost of ownership is therefore significantly reduced already in the short term.

How were Wren Security products developed?

The products have their origins in OpenSSO, first published by Sun Microsystems in July 2005. Following the acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle Corporation in February 2010, public support for these projects was discontinued. The projects were forked by ForgeRock into OpenAM and OpenDJ and further developed under the CDDL license. In October 2010, ForgeRock added identity management to the portfolio when it launched OpenIDM.

ForgeRock supported the projects until 2016, but then abruptly ended its open-source activities. In the same year, the Time For A Fork movement was founded and began working on a community fork. A year later, this resulted in the founding of the Wren Security community. The community renamed the projects to avoid conflict with the ForgeRock name. All products are now actively developed and supported going forward with Orchitech Solutions in a leading role.