Microsoft Dynamics CRM supports multiple authentication models. The type of authentication interface that is used depends on if you are authenticated through Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, on-premise, or Internet-facing deployment (IFD).

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - authentication is handled through Windows Live, which was previously known as Passport.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, on-premise - authentication is handled through Active Directory, which is also known as Windows Integrated Authentication.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0, IFD – Forms based authentication, handled through Active Directory.

Impersonation enables you to call Web service methods on behalf of another user to provide a desired features or service. The following sections explain impersonation and authentication.

In This Section

Impersonation

Contains information about performing an operation on behalf of another user.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Authentication

Explains how to authenticate a user for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online by using Windows Live.

On-Premise Authentication

Provides information about how to authenticate a user under Active Directory for an on-premise deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Web Form (IFD) Authentication

Has instructions about how to authenticate a user under Active Directory for an Internet Facing Deployment of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Authentication from an ASPX Page

Explains how to authenticate from an ASPX page.

Other Resources

Server-to-Server Authentication with Impersonation Full Sample

See the SDK download package: SDK\Server\FullSample\ServerToServerImpersonate. This sample shows how to authenticate and impersonate the logged-on user in a server-to-server scenario with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.