### Data Stores

A data store is a database where you can store user attributes and user configuration data.

OpenSSO provides identity repository plug-ins that connect to an LDAPv3 identity repository framework. This enables you to view and retrieve OpenSSO user information without having to make changes in your existing user database. The OpenSSO framework integrates data from the identity repository plug-in with data from other OpenSSO plug-ins to form a virtual identity for each user. OpenSSO can then use the universal identity in authentication and authorization processes among more than one identity repository. The virtual user identity is destroyed when the user's session ends.

OpenSSO supports the following data stores:

- Active Directory

- Generic LDAPv3

- Sun Directory Server with OpenSSO Schema

See To Create a New Data Store for information on creating a new data store and configuring the repository plug-ins.