Because of Internet and intranet technologies, networks are much larger and more complex than in the past. These larger networks create a greater need for a comprehensive directory service and a standard method for accessing information.
The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet communications protocol that lets client applications access directory information. It is based on the X.500 Directory Access Protocol (DAP) but is less complex than a traditional client and can be used with any other directory service that follows the X.500 standard.
LDAP is used most often as the simplest directory access protocol.
For more information about LDAP, refer to the following Web sites: