[NTLUG:Discuss] website access

[rich-lists@multicam.com]

I need to try and find a solution to my problem. We have several
websites, all on different machines. One is physically located here in
our building and the other is located at a webhoster. We provide varying
levels of access to these sites depending on what category our user is
in. We sell our products through distributors and each distributor has
its own group of people who need access to different things. Currently
we are using .htaccess and frankly it is becoming a nightmare to keep up
with. I know that you can automate the issuing of usernames/passwords
for various areas, but have never done it. What are some methods of
doing this? We are keeping separate copies of .htacess files everywhere
and every time I add a user, I have to do it in 4-5 places. I got in a
hurry the other day and inadverteantly wiped out our main .htaccess file
and desabled access for 1/2 day while I got our webhost to restore it.
(yes, I know shoulda made a backup b4 messing with it---lesson learned).
Is there a way for a user to sign up in one place and grant him/her
access and keep the information centrally located? Something
semi-automated or fully automated would be great, but I don't know how I
would control who got access to what without a little manual
intervention.


Richard Humphrey