Describes a system where multiple autonomous networks or servers communicate and share resources using common protocols. In a federated setup, each domain retains its own administrative control and user data, but users can interact across boundaries as if they were on a single network. This architecture prevents vendor lock-in and centralizes communication without centralizing ownership.
Heard on the job
We need to ensure our directory services are federated with the new partner's domain before the migration begins.
Insider tip
The classic example of a federated protocol is email: anyone on any provider's server can message anyone on another, provided they both use SMTP.