Mac OS X Server Directory Services Technical Q&As

Directory services are the means by which a server and its clients locate and retrieve information needed for system activities. In Mac OS X Server, directory services are supported by Open Directory, an architecture whose programming interface provides a centralized way for applications and services to retrieve information stored in directories. Open Directory authenticates Macintosh, UNIX, and Windows users upon login and authorizes their access to services and files. By retrieving information about network resources, Open Directory makes printers, computers, and other devices visible for browsing. It also retrieves information from directories that reside on Mac OS X Server computers or non-Apple servers.