What is the Directory Server?


The directory server is a type of data warehouse of resources accessible on the related network. Resources such as database devices, individual databases, file repositories, transaction systems, file storage areas, printers, and people.

The people descriptions include names and addresses, organization roles, e-mail addresses, and more. The directory server reveals selected items of information to legitimate, authenticated requesters. It is meant to be a useful, centralized, controlling resource for finding out how to communicate on the associated network.

Many vendors have agreed on the LDAP standard for communicating with a directory server, and, thus, implicitly for implementing a directory server. The term lightweight is a reaction to a more comprehensive directory standard previously proposed, known as X.500 that was regarded as too complicated and cumbersome to implement fully. LDAP is a derivative of X.500.

The directory server is very important to the data warehouse manager. It must be the single, central point for authenticating and authorizing all users of the data warehouse, regardless of whether they are connected to the internal network or are coming in from the Internet.

A Directory Server works as a scalable, central repository of information on employees, users, partners, etc., connecting the whole IT infrastructure while providing compliance with security regulations and business policies. It supports enterprises construct a unified profile from multiple data sources with the ability to handle millions of entries during peak usage times without difficulty on performance.

The Directory Server allows access to a type of database that stores information in a hierarchical structure similar to the way that the IBM is integrated file system is organized.

A distributed directory is a directory environment in which data is independent across several directory servers. It can create the distributed directory that appears as an individual directory to user applications, one or more proxy servers are supported which know all the servers and the data they hold.

The directory server has the following characteristics which are as follows −

Single point of access − All-access comes through a single point of control. Dependable and complete management and auditing are applicable with this method. The single point of access enables a single metadata representation of security privileges and security needs.

Single point of authorization − Everyone must run the same authorization gantlet regardless of how they connect to a data warehouse resource.

Single console − The directory server is a single administrative console where access policies are defined and enforced just once. Lacking such an approach, the DBA may try to race from machine to machine, setting up low-level SQL GRANTS and REVOKES to implement security. This approach invites disaster and defeats flexibility.

Updated on: 10-Feb-2022

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