Getting into the PDS platform should feel less like a puzzle and more like walking through a familiar door. And for many, that door is increasingly secured by Okta, or other familiar sign-in methods.
So, how do you actually log in? The PDS platform offers a few pathways, and understanding them can make all the difference. If you're already using Google or GitHub for other services, you might find the 'Sign in with Google' or 'Sign in with GitHub' options incredibly convenient. It's a quick way to get authenticated without needing to remember yet another username and password.
But what about Okta? This is where OIDC (OpenID Connect) comes into play. Think of OIDC as a standardized way for different systems to talk to each other about who you are. Your organization's administrator can set up an OIDC provider, like Okta, within Portworx Central. Once that's done, you'll get specific credentials – often an OIDC email – that you'll use on the PDS login page. Just click 'Sign In with OIDC,' pop in your email, and you're on your way. It’s a robust way to manage access, especially in larger organizations.
For those new to the PDS world, the process is straightforward. You can register an account directly from the login page. It involves filling out a few details, agreeing to the terms, and then verifying your email. After that, you'll set your password, and then you'll be prompted to select the account you're affiliated with. It’s designed to be a welcoming entry point.
And for everyone else, if you're a registered user, you simply sign in with your existing credentials. PDS will then typically take you straight to the Clusters page, ready for you to get to work.
It's worth noting that all these connections to the Portworx cloud-based data-service control plane are secured with SSL and use the HTTP/2 protocol. So, make sure your browser and network are up to speed with these requirements.
For administrators looking to set up OIDC, the process involves a bit more configuration. You'll typically need to reach out to Portworx support to get your organization set up in Portworx Central. From there, an assigned Portworx Central ADMIN can log in, navigate to 'Setup OIDC' under their profile, and enter the necessary details like the Endpoint, Client ID, and Client Secret. The platform will provide a specific Redirect URI, and importantly, you'll need to share your organization's domain name with your users. This domain is what PDS uses to identify users belonging to your organization when they sign in via OIDC.
If you're an existing customer and want to switch your authentication method to OIDC, you'll follow these configuration steps and then contact Portworx support to make the switch in Portworx Central. Just a heads-up, this change usually applies to non-admin users in Portworx Central.
Once you're in, you can manage your profile, check your account details, and even reset your password if needed. It’s all about making your experience as smooth and secure as possible.