Lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) is a protocol that makes it possible for applications to query user information rapidly.

Someone within your office wants to do two things: Send an email to a recent hire and print a copy of that conversation on a new printer. LDAP (lightweight directory access protocol) makes both of those steps possible.

Set it up properly, and that employee doesn't need to talk with IT to complete the tasks.

What Is LDAP?

Companies store usernames, passwords, email addresses, printer connections, and other static data within directories. LDAP is an open, vendor-neutral application protocol for accessing and maintaining that data. LDAP can also tackle authentication, so users can sign on just once and access many different files on the server.

LDAP is a protocol, so it doesn't specify how directory programs work. Instead, it's a form of language that allows users to find the information they need very quickly.

LDAP is vender-neutral, so it can be used with a variety of different directory programs. Typically, a directory