HYBRID OFF-PEAK AND JUST-IN-TIME INTEGRATION

摘要

The invention is directed to off-peak and just-in-time (JIT) retrieval of directory information to reduce network traffic and load on directory servers and/or data sources by requesting only the information that is currently needed from the directory server, while subsequently updating the directory information during an off-peak period in the case that the directory information retrieved in a JIT manner is outdated. In these embodiments, a hybrid integrator operable with an integration directory capable of retrieving directory information in a JIT manner provides this functionality. Specifically, the hybrid integrator and the integration directory are configured to receive a request for directory information at the hybrid integrator, and record the request. The integration directory retrieves a set of current attribute values in a JIT manner from at least one of the following: the directory server, and an external source. During an off-peak period, it is determined whether each of the set of current attribute values corresponding to the request is current. Based on whether each of the set of current attribute values corresponding to the request is current, a set of updated current attributes is retrieved from at least one of the following: a directory server, and an external source.