LDAP vs Databases

  • Read-write ratio - LDAP is read optimised
  • Extensibility - LDAP schemas are more easily changed
  • Distribution - with LDAP data can be near where it is needed
  • Replication - with LDAP data can be stored in multiple locations
  • Different performance - databases are generally deployed for limited amount of applications
  • Transaction model - LDAP transactions are simple - usually changing one entry, databases can modify much more
  • Size of information - LDAP is better at storing small bits of information
  • Type of information - LDAP stores information in attributes
  • Standards are more important for directories - LDAP clients can talk to any LDAP server, but database client can only talk to the database it was designed for