1. How a Virtual Directory Works
You probably have learned about a virtual directory
and how it has helped a lot of organizations today in a
variety of ways. If you are not well acquainted with
how it works, you surely want to know how using it
can also be beneficial to you. A virtual directory is also
referred to as virtual directory server and it is a
software layer delivering a single access point for
applications as well as service platforms of identity
management. It basically works as a high
performance and at the same time lightweight
abstraction layer residing between client applications
and different types of identity data repositories like a
standard and proprietary directory, applications, databases and web services.
It works by receiving and directing queries into appropriate stores of data through the process of
abstraction and virtualization. It incorporates identity data from a number of heterogeneous
stores of data and will present it as it come from a single. This ability of a virtual directory to
reach into different repositories has made it ideal in terms of data consolidation regardless of
where they may be stored. In the recent years, virtual directory servers (VDS) have been the
most commonly used LDAP protocol but virtual directories that are more advanced are capable
of supporting several platforms. According to industry experts, a virtual directory is essential in
the modernization of identity infrastructure.
It is in fact hot today and a virtual directory is the foundation that any company should look at for
their next identity management project. There are many capabilities a virtual directory has.
Many organizations are starting to realize how important it is for them to have a virtual directory
in their web environment. Basically a virtual directory combines identity data across various
sources, creating a single access point. Moreover, it creates high availability and accessibility
for the authoritative stores of data. It even acts as LDAP proxy and firewall which enabled it to
prevent certain attacks like denial of service on the main stores of data through an added and
enhanced virtual layer.