Lightweight Directory Access Protocol is an open, vendor-neutral, industry-standard application protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Directory services play an important role in the development of intranet and Internet applications by enabling the sharing of information about users, systems, networks, services, and applications across the network. For example, directory services can provide any organized set of records, often with a hierarchical structure, such as a corporate email directory or phone book.
