The Bottom Line
Written by experts in the field, this book fully explains the concepts behind LDAP and the design, deployment, and maintenance of directory services on IT networks.
Pros
- New edition brings all content up to date
- More detail added for LDAP developers
- Excellent case studies reinforce the concepts
Cons
- Large number of pages may intimidate readers
- Uneven writing style and use of passive voice
Description
- Part 1 introduces network directories and LDAP and offers a quick look at the history behind them.
- Part 2 explores the design phase for directory services including schema, topology and security.
- The authors explain how directory services get deployed in production IT networks in Part 3.
- Part 4 describes backup, monitoring, troubleshooting and other maintenance tasks for directories.
- Part 5 shows how software applications can benefit from and tie into underlying directory services.
- Finally, Part 6 presents a series of directory service case studies.
Guide Review - Understanding and Deploying LDAP Directory Services - Second Edition
Some network architects branded the original edition of this book the "LDAP bible." This updated second edition (May 2003) delivers an improved product.
Those new to LDAP will appreciate the first 200 pages of introductory material that brings one up to speed on all of the essential concepts. Designers and engineers in charge of implementing directory services should study the detailed coverage of the directory lifecycle, including an especially valuable section on the maintenance phase. Less technical managers will benefit from the case studies.
At nearly 900 pages, this book is not particularly concise. However, readers shouldn't expect to read this book cover-to-cover but rather focus on specific sections of greater interest to them.
