ILM 2007 can be used to automatically manage the entire lifecycle of user identities and their associated credentials. ILM provides identity synchronization, certificate and password management, and user provisioning in a single solution that works in heterogeneous environments. As a result, IT organizations can define and automate the processes used to manage identities from creation to retirement. 

ILM 2007 is designed to simplify and automate some of the most costly aspects of identity lifecycle management. ILM enables organizations to:

• Synchronize Identity Information. ILM can synchronize identity data across repositories such as HR systems, finance, mainframe systems, LDAP directories, telephone systems and databases.  This can enforce data rules, provide accurate, consistent identity data and reduce administration.
• Provision and De-provision Users, creating new accounts based on authoritative sources such as HR, manage change through the life of an identity, then removing or disabling accounts on retirement of users. 
• Manage Certificates and Smart Cards. ILM includes a workflow and policy-based solution that enables organizations to easily manage the lifecycle of digital certificates and smart cards. ILM leverages Active Directory Directory Services and Active Directory Certificate Services to provision digital certificates and smart cards, with automated workflow to manage the entire lifecycle of certificate-based credentials.