Understanding Directory Services
Authors: Doug Sheresh, Beth Sheresh
Venue:  (1999)

:Understanding Directory Services is the most in-depth resource available on directory services theory, architecture, and design, supplying a conceptual framework and critical background information to technical professionals who are implementing or integrating directory services on their networks. This book provides the reader with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of directory services; what they are, how they are designed, and what functionality they can provide. Understanding Directory Services explains directory services from a networking perspective--from the origins of distributed directory services in X.500 to the directories offered with current networking platforms. An unbiased explanation of the technologies used in directory services is presented, rather than a vendor or product- focused perspective. By explaining key directory technologies, and clarifying the integration of those technologies into Active Directory (AD) and Novell Directory Services (NDS), this book provides the background you need to understand the underlying design and operations involved in all directory services. The book starts with an overview of directory services and their core characteristics, highlighting critical aspects of information, distribution, and storage. The evolving nature of the information the directory contains, and the factors involved in organizing and managing it are discussed in detail. Methods of information distribution and storage are also examined at length. After exploring the basics of directory service, the book progresses to in-depth chapters on each of the critical technologies being used to implement directory services: The X.500 standards are reviewed to help you understand the foundations of directory services and provide a basis for comparison of the other directory technologies. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and its emerging role as a directory access standard are discussed, with focus on how it is being supported by the two major NOS directories. The Domain Naming System (DNS) is examined from a directory service perspective, noting parallels in structures and operations. This knowledge of the fundamental components of directory services is then applied to describe the design of Novell Directory Services and Active Directory, and illustrate the architectural and operational implications of vendor's design decisions. Novell Directory Services is explained based on the latest version (NDS 8), describing the directory architecture and operations. Active Directory is also explored to show how Microsoft has integrated the technologies of NT, LDAP, and DNS into the directory services component of Windows 2000 Server. There is also an entire chapter focused on helping you evaluate directory services in the context of your network and business environment. Networking, business, and information control factors are identified, and key factors in directory service assessment are explained. Understanding Directory Services also serves as a reference for directory service technologies and terminology, including extensive references and a glossary containing over 275 terms.