Understand directory services to maintain control of network information and users

摘要

Directory services are software programs that link directly into core databases to manage the identities and security of users on a network. They are crucial to many medium and large organisations. Typically, a number of information repositories across an organisation will store information regarding network users and objects: SQL or other databases, telephone directories - electronic and hard-copy - flat files, human resources software and network management products. Modern directory services are capable of storing rich information relating to users and other organisational objects and can provide this information to users and applications in a secure manner. In this way, information can be maintained centrally and can then be made available to other applications as necessary.