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LDAP vs OpenLDAP: What are the differences?
Key Difference 1: Implementation of Standards - The main difference between LDAP and OpenLDAP is that LDAP is a protocol while OpenLDAP is an open-source implementation of the LDAP protocol. LDAP, or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, is an industry-standard protocol used for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over a network. OpenLDAP, on the other hand, refers to the open-source implementation of LDAP, providing a powerful solution for managing directory services.
Key Difference 2: Licensing - Another key difference is the licensing. LDAP itself is not governed by any specific license, but various LDAP server implementations, including OpenLDAP, may have different licensing terms. OpenLDAP, being an open-source project, is typically licensed under the OpenLDAP Public License or similar open-source licenses, allowing users to use, modify, and distribute the software freely.
Key Difference 3: Development Community - LDAP has a broad adoption and support from various vendors, while OpenLDAP has a specific development community. LDAP as a protocol is supported by many directory services, such as Microsoft Active Directory, Novell eDirectory, and Oracle Internet Directory. OpenLDAP, on the other hand, is maintained and developed by the OpenLDAP Project, which is a specific community that focuses on developing and improving the OpenLDAP software.
Key Difference 4: Features and Functionality - LDAP, being a protocol, defines the standard operations and attributes for directory services, providing a basic set of features and functionality. However, the specific implementation, such as OpenLDAP, may offer additional features and extensions beyond the standard LDAP protocol. OpenLDAP, for example, supports features like replication, access control, and dynamic backend database options, enhancing its functionality compared to the basic LDAP protocol.
Key Difference 5: Support and Documentation - As LDAP is an industry-standard protocol, there is extensive support and documentation available from various sources for implementing and using LDAP-based directory services. However, OpenLDAP, being an open-source implementation, may have a dedicated support community and documentation specific to its features and configuration. Users of OpenLDAP can benefit from the expertise and resources provided by the OpenLDAP community for troubleshooting and getting assistance.
Key Difference 6: Customization and Flexibility - LDAP as a protocol provides a standardized way to access and store directory information services. OpenLDAP, being an open-source implementation, offers greater flexibility and customization options compared to other LDAP server implementations. It allows users to modify and extend the software to meet specific requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of directory service applications.
In Summary, LDAP and OpenLDAP differ in their implementation standards, licensing, development community, features and functionality, support and documentation, as well as customization and flexibility.
