In EPiServer CMS, it is possible to work with different sources for storing users and groups. The technology used is a standard technology from Microsoft, called Providers.
It is possible to store users and groups in a database, which may either be EPiServer's database or another selectable database. It is also possible to use the user groups available in Windows or Active Directory and give access rights to the existing users and groups in Windows. You usually choose one of these options, but it is fully possible to mix the two services.
How you choose to manage your users is a decision taken centrally for the entire website. Configuration is carried out in web.config and is normally done by the person helping to develop the entire solution. There are two providers as standard for groups and users. There is an additional provider that allows you to use the other two providers at the same time. It is also fully possible to develop your own provider, which you do for example if you have an existing database of users and passwords.
| Providers | Function |
|---|---|
| WindowsRoleProvider | Providers for groups that are managed in Windows or Active Directory. |
| SqlServerRoleProvider | Providers for groups that are managed in EPiServer's database. |
| MultiplexingRoleProvider | Providers for groups that are managed both in Windows and EPiServer's database. |
| WindowsMembershipProvider | Providers for users that are managed in Windows or Active Directory. |
| SqlServerMembershipProvider | Providers for users that are managed in EPiServer's database. |
| MultiplexingMembershipProvider | Providers for users that are managed both in Windows and EPiServer's database at the same time. |
If you have installed a standard installation of EPiServer CMS and not affected the configuration of which directory service should apply for the website, Windows applies. This means that you must log in the first time with a Windows user name.