Computing Seminar

The Integration of LDAP into the Messenging Infrastructure at CERN

Ray Jackson , CERN/IT

Abstract

LDAP, the "Lightweight Directory Access Protocol", is a software protocol for enabling anyone to locate individuals and other resources, such as files and devices in a network. The presentation will start with a description of the basic principles of LDAP, such as its role as both an access protocol and a data structure. Next, the presentation will highlight the differences between a classical database and a directory service such as LDAP and describe various related concepts, like object classes and schema definitions. After this introduction, the integration of LDAP into CERN's messenging infrastructure will be shown. This ranges from the simple global addressbooks to more powerful and complex areas, such as storing distribution list configurations and profiles, as well as mail and Web-based authentication. Future projects, like message routing under sendmail and storing system-level-authentication information via the PAM/LDAP features offered under Unix shall also be discussed.

About the speaker: Ray Jackson, currently working as a fellow in CERN's IT Division, holds a first-class bachelors degree (with honours) in computer science from "Manchester Metropolitan University" in the UK. After working for a year in the PS division as an undergraduate, he returned to CERN in June 1999 to work in the IT Division's Internet Services group, primarily looking after the messenging infrastructure and directory services. His main interests are LDAP, sendmail, and the development of Web applications.