Creating user accounts in IMP using a php page..

[Eric Robbins]

I have been charged with using a php page to connect with IMP and create a
user account. When I post a username and password on my php form, I have to
check the IMP on the server to make sure that the new username is unique,
else it will kick them out.  If a user is unique, I am to apply the new
account and follow up with the information and post it to an AS400 database.

Should I use LDAP for this or is there a better way that is less cumbersome?
Someone mentioned to me that I should use PAM... but I am not sure how that
will be implemented.

I am a newbie to IMP and Linux so even a point in the right direction with a
link to research it would be helpful.

Cluless,

Eric