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OpenLDAP VS ApacheDS

Compare OpenLDAP VS ApacheDS and see what are their differences

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OpenLDAP logo OpenLDAP

OpenLDAP Software is an open source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.

ApacheDS logo ApacheDS

ApacheDS™ is an extensible and embeddable directory server entirely written in Java, which has been...
  • OpenLDAP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-27
  • ApacheDS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-05-14

OpenLDAP features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenLDAP is an open-source software, which means it is free to use and has a community-driven development model. This allows for greater transparency and the ability for users to contribute to its improvements and updates.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    OpenLDAP can run on various operating systems including Linux, BSD, Solaris, Windows, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for different IT environments.
  • Extensibility
    It offers a wide range of modules and overlays that allow for customization and the addition of new features, which can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs.
  • Protocol Standards
    OpenLDAP implements Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) which is a widely accepted protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an IP network.
  • Scalability
    OpenLDAP is capable of handling large volumes of data and numerous queries, making it suitable for both small and large organizations with scalability needs.

Possible disadvantages of OpenLDAP

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up and configuring OpenLDAP can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized knowledge and experience, which may create a barrier for newcomers.
  • Lack of Official Support
    As an open-source project, it primarily relies on community support. Organizations in need of professional support might find this limiting as there's no official support channel or dedicated support team.
  • Documentation
    While extensive, the documentation can sometimes be difficult to navigate for those not familiar with LDAP or OpenLDAP concepts, which could lead to steep learning curves.
  • Performance Tuning
    To achieve optimal performance, considerable tuning might be required based on the specific use case and deployment environment, potentially involving a significant investment of time and resources.
  • Graphical User Interface Limitations
    OpenLDAP lacks a built-in graphical user interface, which might lead to a reliance on third-party tools or command-line interfaces, potentially complicating administrative tasks for those accustomed to GUI-based management.

ApacheDS features and specs

  • Open Source
    ApacheDS is open-source software, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This makes it cost-effective and allows users to tailor it to their specific needs.
  • LDAPv3 Compatibility
    ApacheDS supports LDAPv3, ensuring compatibility with other directory services and systems that adhere to this widely used protocol standard.
  • Rich Feature Set
    It offers a comprehensive set of features including LDAP, Kerberos, and Change Password Protocol (RFC 2683), which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
  • Cross-Platform
    Being written in Java, ApacheDS is platform-independent and can run on numerous operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Embedded Mode
    ApacheDS can be run in embedded mode, making it an ideal choice for Java applications that require an internal directory server.

Possible disadvantages of ApacheDS

  • Complex Configuration
    Setting up and configuring ApacheDS can be complex, requiring significant time and expertise, especially for users unfamiliar with LDAP systems.
  • Scalability Limitations
    While ApacheDS is suitable for small to medium-sized deployments, it may face performance challenges when scaling up to support very large directories compared to other enterprise-grade solutions.
  • Limited Support and Documentation
    As an open-source project, ApacheDS may not have the extensive documentation and support options available that commercial solutions offer, which can be a barrier for less experienced users.
  • Maintenance and Updates
    The frequency of updates and patches may not be as regular or rapid as some proprietary solutions, potentially leading to security and stability concerns.

OpenLDAP videos

What is OpenLDAP

ApacheDS videos

ApacheDS Server Extension Code Review

More videos:

  • Review - Spring Security LDAP Integration and SAML Extension : Getting ApacheDS & Introduction| packtpub.com

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenLDAP and ApacheDS)
Identity And Access Management
Cloud Computing
65 65%
35% 35
Identity Provider
59 59%
41% 41
Cloud Storage
75 75%
25% 25

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenLDAP seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenLDAP mentions (2)

ApacheDS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ApacheDS yet. Tracking of ApacheDS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenLDAP and ApacheDS, you can also consider the following products

FreeIPA - FreeIPA is an integrated security information management solution combining Linux (Fedora), 389...

Samba - Samba serves as an open source alternative to the traditional domain controller offered by Microsoft.

Microsoft Active Directory - Active Directory is a special-purpose database \ 8212; it is not a registry replacement.

Univention Corporate Server - Univention Corporate Server UCS with Active Directory functions and App Center is the cost-efficient and popular successor to Microsoft's server solutions.

Keycloak - Open Source Identity and Access Management for modern Applications and Services.

389 Directory Server - Enterprise-class open source Linux LDAP server.