e-Directories: Enterprise Software, Solutions, and Services (With CD-ROM)

Rating:
Summary: Building Enterprise Applications Using LDAP Directories
Review: LDAP directories are becoming more important for enterprise and commerce applications. This book fills a gap in the currently available books on directories in that it not only covers directory basics, such as namespaces, schemas, and various APIs, but also important subjects such as replication, synchronization, directory access security, and metadirectories. The last 7 chapters of the book concentrate on a diverse selection of case studies, which are always welcome when researching one's own directory strategy. Although books by Howe et al and Weltman & Dahbura are also excellent, they are either more verbose or more targeted at programming for Netscape directories.

More importantly, the focus of this book is how to use directories to build scalable, highly available applications, rather than simply using directories for white or yellow pages applications. It includes discussion of the directory standards, as well as the popular variations and extensions on the standards. For example, there is an appendix covering some different access control mechanisms used in several directories. The CD includes useful IBM Redbooks as well as programs that can be used with Active Directory or the included IBM SecureWay LDAP Directory.

The chapters are divided into relatively brief subsections that highlight the subject of the chapters well, making the book easy to read and reference. The sample programs are simple, but useful foundations to perform a variety of tasks using a directory.

Rating:
Summary: Building Enterprise Applications Using LDAP Directories
Review: LDAP directories are becoming more important for enterprise and commerce applications. This book fills a gap in the currently available books on directories in that it not only covers directory basics, such as namespaces, schemas, and various APIs, but also important subjects such as replication, synchronization, directory access security, and metadirectories. The last 7 chapters of the book concentrate on a diverse selection of case studies, which are always welcome when researching one's own directory strategy. Although books by Howe et al and Weltman & Dahbura are also excellent, they are either more verbose or more targeted at programming for Netscape directories.

More importantly, the focus of this book is how to use directories to build scalable, highly available applications, rather than simply using directories for white or yellow pages applications. It includes discussion of the directory standards, as well as the popular variations and extensions on the standards. For example, there is an appendix covering some different access control mechanisms used in several directories. The CD includes useful IBM Redbooks as well as programs that can be used with Active Directory or the included IBM SecureWay LDAP Directory.

The chapters are divided into relatively brief subsections that highlight the subject of the chapters well, making the book easy to read and reference. The sample programs are simple, but useful foundations to perform a variety of tasks using a directory.