In computing, the term virtual directory has a couple of meanings. It may simply designate (for example in IIS) a folder which appears in a path but which is not actually a subfolder of the preceding folder in the path. However, this article will discuss the term in the context of directory services and identity management.
A virtual directory or virtual directory server (VDS) in this context is a software layer that delivers a single access point for identity management applications and service platforms. A virtual directory operates as a high-performance, lightweight abstraction layer that resides between client applications and disparate types of identity-data repositories, such as proprietary and standard directories, databases, web services, and applications.
A virtual directory receives queries and directs them to the appropriate data sources by abstracting and virtualizing data. The virtual directory integrates identity data from multiple heterogeneous data stores and presents it as though it were coming from one source. This ability to reach into disparate repositories makes virtual directory technology ideal for consolidating data stored in a distributed environment.
As of 2011[update], virtual directory servers most commonly use the LDAP protocol, but more sophisticated virtual directories can also support SQL as well as DSML and SPML.
Industry experts have heralded the importance of the virtual directory in modernizing the identity infrastructure. According to Dave Kearns of Network World, "Virtualization is hot and a virtual directory is the building block, or foundation, you should be looking at for your next identity management project."[1] In addition, Gartner analyst, Bob Blakley[2] said that virtual directories are playing an increasingly vital role. In his report, “The Emerging Architecture of Identity Management,” Blakley wrote: “In the first phase, production of identities will be separated from consumption of identities through the introduction of a virtual directory interface.”
^Kearns, Dave (7 August 2006). "Virtual directory finally gains recognition". NetworkWorld. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
^The Emerging Architecture of Identity Management, Bob Blakley, April 16, 2010.
In computing, the term virtualdirectory has a couple of meanings. It may simply designate (for example in IIS) a folder which appears in a path but which...
Directory Services Markup Language Hierarchical database model LDAP Data Interchange Format Metadirectory Service delivery platform Virtualdirectory...
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. Windows Server operating systems include it as a set...
Schaumburg, Illinois, that published OctetString VirtualDirectory (VDE), a LDAP based virtualdirectory product focused on the identity management segment...
The World Wide Web Virtual Library (WWW VL) was the first index of content on the World Wide Web and still operates as a directory of e-texts and information...
He also created the World Wide Web Virtual Library, which is the oldest web directory. Most of the directories are general in on scope and list websites...
The entire directory can be distributed as an Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) package, which is a tar archive file with the OVF directory inside. OVF has...
subject-based directory. Starting Point Directory – Founded in 1995, relaunched in 2006, charges a fee. World Wide Web Virtual Library (VLIB) – oldest directory of...
US Virtual dedicated server, a virtual machine set up as a server Visual DialogScript, a programming language Virtualdirectory server Virtual DMA Services...
Physical and virtual drives are named by a drive letter, as opposed to being combined as one. This means that there is no "formal" root directory, but rather...
infection Virtual desktop, expansion of the space of a computer's desktop environment beyond the physical limits of the screen Virtualdirectory, in computing...
tilde ('~') is used as a shortcut to the root of the application's virtualdirectory. In the CSS stylesheet language, the tilde is used for the indirect...
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop-sharing system that uses the Remote Frame Buffer protocol (RFB) to remotely control another computer...
files and directories appear under the root directory /, even if they are stored on different physical or virtual devices. Some of these directories only exist...
The Virtual Library museums pages (VLmp) formed an early leading directory of online museums around the world. The VLmp online directory resource was founded...
Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE or PVE) is a virtualisation platform designed for the provisioning of hyper-converged infrastructure. Proxmox...
enabled. VDN is used in different call center environments. Virtual number "Vector Directory Number (VDN)". WestNet Glossary. Retrieved July 15, 2012. "Vector"...
and its many workalikes. The filesystem appears as one rooted tree of directories. Instead of addressing separate volumes such as disk partitions, removable...
Virtual hosting is a method for hosting multiple domain names (with separate handling of each name) on a single server (or pool of servers). This allows...
can be assigned to files and directories on Unix-like systems. There are two definitions: one for files, one for directories. For files, particularly executables...
repository (directory services for the administration of user account attributes) Metadata replication and synchronization Directoryvirtualization (Virtual directory)...
Recycle Bin virtual folders. Some virtual folders (like Desktop) have an accompanying special folder that is a reference to a directory on the physical...
sam organization[clarification needed] November 2005 OctetString VirtualDirectory Solutions November 2005 Thor Technologies Enterprise-wide User Provisioning...
The 389 Directory Server (previously Fedora Directory Server) is a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server developed by Red Hat as part of...
A virtual file system (VFS) or virtual filesystem switch is an abstract layer on top of a more concrete file system. The purpose of a VFS is to allow client...
version 1.x. CrushFTP 2.x brought about virtualdirectories in a sense, while CrushFTP 3.x brought about a full virtual file system. It supported the ability...
Global Information