Which term describes a directory service across a network, commonly used to hold identity information?

Which term describes a directory service across a network, commonly used to hold identity information?

• A. Directory database
• B. Identity management service
• C. Network directory service
• D. Directory service

Answer: (D)

A directory service is a network-wide repository that stores identity information and related attributes, and exposes that data to clients for authentication, authorization, and resource lookups. It is accessed over the network using standard protocols (like LDAP) and is designed to be a centralized, searchable catalog of users, groups, devices, and permissions. That makes it the best fit for the description: a directory service across a network that holds identity information. A directory database refers more to how data is stored rather than the service that provides access to it. An identity management service covers broader governance tasks like provisioning and lifecycle management beyond just storing identity data. A network directory service is descriptive but not the canonical, widely used label—the standard term is simply directory service.

A directory service is a network-wide repository that stores identity information and related attributes, and exposes that data to clients for authentication, authorization, and resource lookups. It is accessed over the network using standard protocols (like LDAP) and is designed to be a centralized, searchable catalog of users, groups, devices, and permissions.

That makes it the best fit for the description: a directory service across a network that holds identity information. A directory database refers more to how data is stored rather than the service that provides access to it. An identity management service covers broader governance tasks like provisioning and lifecycle management beyond just storing identity data. A network directory service is descriptive but not the canonical, widely used label—the standard term is simply directory service.