Patent ID: 8423581

Claim:
A computer implemented method of locating special subtree entries in a distributed directory environment using a proxy server, the computer implemented method comprising: receiving, at the proxy server, a request from a client for a special subtree entry, wherein the special subtree entry is stored in a special subtree in one of a plurality of backend directory servers in the distributed directory environment; retrieving by the proxy server a partitioning filter associated with the requested special subtree entry; determining whether the request comprises a distinguished name control, wherein the control specifies the distinguished name of a main subtree entry associated with the special subtree entry; responsive to a determination that the request does not comprise a distinguished name control, building the distinguished name of the main subtree entry associated with the special subtree entry; applying the partitioning filter to the distinguished name of the main subtree entry to determine a target directory server in the plurality of backend directory servers that comprise the special subtree; and sending the request to the target directory server, wherein the special subtree entries comprise directory entries that represent changes made to entries in main subtrees.