|
|
DeveloperNet
University Home > Online Courses > LDAP extensions for JNDI
|
|
|
eDirectory Overview
Novell eDirectory is a distributed, hierarchical database of network information that is used to create a relationship between users and resources. It simplifies network management because network administrators can administer global networks from one location (or many) and manage all network resources as part of the eDirectory tree. User administration is simplified because the users dynamically inherit access to network resources from their placement in the eDirectory tree. For example, eDirectory enables users to dynamically inherit access to departmental resources such as applications, printers, and modems when users are placed in the department's eDirectory container. eDirectory runs on the NetWare operating system and has been ported to run on other operating systems such as Windows NT and Solaris UNIX, bringing its global administrative capabilities to NT servers. In addition, eDirectory allows you to administer intranet- and Internet-based networks.
Main Functions of eDirectory
Let's discusses some of the main functions of eDirectory.
Distributed Database
eDirectory information is typically stored not on one network server, but on several servers which are often at different locations. This allows information to be stored near users and provides efficient operation even if the users are geographically dispersed.
Hierarchical Naming Database
Names are organized in a top-down hierarchy or tree structure. This helps users find resources in a structured manner. It also enables an administrator to administer a large network by delegating portions of the tree to local administrators.
Object-Oriented Database
The entries in an eDirectory database represent network resources available on the network and are referred to as objects. An object contains information that identifies, characterizes, and locates information pertaining to the resource it represents.
Global Database
eDirectory uses a single naming system that encompasses all servers, services, and users in an internetwork. In the past, names were administered separately on each server. Now, eDirectory allows information entered once to be accessible everywhere and lets a user log in once to access diverse, geographically separated resources.
Partitioned Database
An eDirectory database can be divided into logical partitions according to business needs, network use, geographical location, access time, and other factors. These partitions can be distributed to any server represented in the directory.
Replicated Database
When an eDirectory database is distributed to multiple servers, eDirectory maintains the equality of the distributed logical partitions by distributing object information changes to the appropriate servers.
Replicated nth -level Hierarchical Database
The database provides the name space that defines the nth -level hierarchical structure.
Most importantly, eDirectory is a full service LDAP v3 compliant Directory. eDirectory manages every resource on the network. All network resources can be managed in one location with eDirectory instead of each server managing the resources connected to it.
eDirectory: A Software Developer's Perspective
The eDirectory schema is extensible, meaning that you can add new classes or attributes to the schema depending on your application needs. eDirectory provides multiple interfaces from multiple languages and platforms. LDAP is the preferred connection protocol to eDirectory so the eDirectory interfaces support LDAP. As a developer, you have access to eDirectory from VB, C, C++, Java, PHP, Perl, or any interface that has LDAP classes or support. Novell has developed LDAP libraries for C and Java. ActiveX controls have been developed for VB. LDAP classes for Java have been developed, as well as LDAP extensions for JNDI, eCommerce JavaBeans, and an LDAP JDBC driver.
As an eDirectory developer, you should be familiar with the schema of the Directory. Each API does have ways for you to programmatically see the schema of the Directory. An easier solution is to download the eDirectory Schema Reference from http://developer.novell.com. In this large document, you can lookup the attributes for each type of object in the Directory. This will provide a significant resource for you as you are working with the Directory schema.
|
|
|
|
|
