System and method for improved managing of profiles in a web portal environment

There are provided mechanisms and methods for mapping information from disparate data sources into a single user profile. Embodiments can provide the capability to work with profiles for users as well as for other entities. These external data sources can include, without limitation: relational databases, file system and Java classes, Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) servers and other network accessible sources. These mechanisms and methods can enable creating a single user profile from attributes residing in disparate data stores. The ability of embodiments to provide mechanisms and methods for creating a single user profile from attributes residing in disparate data stores can enable easier configuration of profiles, without requiring users to write code to perform the mapping.