They are looking into standards for directory replication among other things. The third big factor is extending the directory so it's fully scalable and robust. That's given us experience with real world directory use. We must also continue enhancement of the capabilities of the directory to implement features and capabilities. It allows you have to have multiple customers using th e same directory system and maintaining security.
People seem to have conflicting opinions about the use of directories for meta data.
We see that being extended so that directories can mange any object in the Internet or intranet. There's a big issue now with organization of the Internet. I believe you can organize a Web site using a directory. In doing so you don't just end up with better organizatio n, but a more powerful Web site. We just released the new version of our Web server integrated with directory services.