Note that administrative tools do not have to be centrally located and managed. Replicate data to provide consistent access. Modifications made to any replica of the directory are propagated around the network so that any application accessing the directory anywhere sees consistent information after the change is propagated. Rapid Internet growth over the past several years has created the need for more robust, scalable, and secure directory services. As PCs become more powerful, people are finding more ways to fully utilize the power of their computers.
Residential customers desire rich multimedia services, such as data and video.
Corporate customers are looking to telcos and service providers for powerful, yet affordable, services. A fundamental shift toward bandwidth-intensive and isochronous network applications is occurring. Current directory services technology is not designed to meet the ever-increasing demands of today's public and private network applications because current directory services were built mainly to accommodate administrative needs. The directory is the foundation for an intelligent infrastructure. Bandwidth-intensive and isochronous network applications require that the devices that lie on a path through the network between source and end device be configured appropriately if they are to function properly.