What does LDAP stand for in the context of Identity Management?

LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is an application protocol used to access and manage directory information services over a network. In the context of Identity Management, LDAP provides a systematic way to store and retrieve user and organizational data, such as user accounts, groups, and permissions, often in a centralized directory server. This is essential for managing access control and identity management across various applications and services.

LDAP is designed to be lightweight, meaning it uses fewer resources compared to older directory access protocols. Its structure allows for efficient searching and modification of directory entries, which is critical in enterprise environments where large amounts of user data are handled. The protocol outlines a standardized method for querying and updating directory services, making it a key technology in the management of identities and authentication in many IT infrastructures.