Dynamic population with directory server

The members and subgroups of a group can be managed by a directory server through directory services such as the Microsoft Active Directory. Directory services are repositories for information about network-based entities, such as applications, files, printers, and people. They are important because they provide a consistent way to name, describe, locate, access, manage, and secure information about these resources. Many vendors build specialised repositories or directory services into their applications to enable the specific functionality their customers require. As such, enterprise class directories take an important step towards the consolidation of corporate directories by offering standards-based interfaces allowing for interoperability and centralised directory management. The directory service is based on a secure directory database containing user IDs, passwords, access rights, and organizational information. The directory database can be automatically replicated to multiple locations for backup reliability, load-balancing performance, and reduced network impact. In addition, with one logon, users can access a globe-spanning network - even when dialing in remotely or accessing the network over the Internet.

The operations to manage groups that are dynamically populated with directory servers include: