Understanding and Deploying Ldap Directory Services

by Timothy A. Howes, Mark C. Smith, Gordon S. Good

While early directory standards (such as X.500) offer some cross-platform functionality, none has the flexibility and widespread appeal of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), which is fast becoming a standard part of networked computers. In Understanding and Deploying LDAP Directory Services, three experienced engineers share their knowledge of LDAP in theory and practice, effectively defining this fast-emerging technology. If you're planning to work with LDAP in any way--whether as a network manager, a software developer, or an information technology administrator--you need to read and pay attention to this book. It's the last word on LDAP as it stands today.

Since directory services aren't widely understood, this book begins by defining them and explaining what they can do for an organization. The guide then gets into the specifics of how LDAP organizes directories and handles queries. The authors go to great lengths to talk about what information to put in directories, how to validate and maintain it, and how to manage access to it. There's also lots of material on initiating LDAP services and on troubleshooting.

The aft part of this book holds special appeal for software developers, since it talks extensively about how to implement LDAP in both new and existing software. Throughout, the authors pay special attention to data redundancy, security, privacy, and the economic issues involved in an LDAP deployment. The book's real-world focus is cemented by case studies (both historical and semifictional). --David Wall

Genres: Technology

Hardcover

First published December 23, 1998

Reviews

[Bora · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite LDAP books. It has a broad coverage of LDAP related topics with examples and applications. While it is not dedicated to a specific LDAP technology or implementation, it provides a comprehensive list of chapters on LDAP [as protocol], directory services & integration, and LDAP enablement in software applications. This book is an invaluable LDAP desk reference for me.

[Alex Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to refresh my knowledge in this topic. I can say, that this book provides broad overview of all LDAP-related topics - from general LDAP overview, to design, implementation, and maintenance of LDAP servers/solutions

[Harold Spencer, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read on LDAP. A very good book. Gives a great foundation as to what LDAP is and isn't. It gives a prospective for system administrators, as well as programmers.