LDAP vs Databases

·       Read-write ratio - LDAP is read optimized

·         Extensibility - LDAP schemas are more easily changed

·         Distribution - with LDAP data can be near where it is

·         needed, and highly distributed

·         Replication - with LDAP data can be stored in multiple

·         locations

·         Different performance - directories used for many

·         different applications, and queries are usually simpler,

·         but many more of them

·         Data sharing - LDAP is designed for sharing data,

·         databases designed for one application

·         Database objects have complex relationships

·         Transaction model - LDAP transactions are simple -

usually changing one entry, databases can modify

much more

·         Size of information - LDAP is better at storing small bits

of information

·         Type of information - LDAP stores information in

attributes

·         Naming model - LDAP is hierachical

·         Schemas - database schemas are entirely user defined,

directories have core schemas to help interoperability

·         Standards are more important for directories - LDAP

clients can talk to any LDAP server.