Directory Design Overview22 Netscape Directory Server Deployment Guide • January 2002Design Process OutlineThe remainder of this guide divides the design process into six steps:• How to Plan Your Directory Data.Your directory will contain data, such as user names, telephone numbers, andgroup details. Chapter 2, “How to Plan Your Directory Data,” helps youanalyze the various sources of data in your organization and understand theirrelationship with one another. It describes the types of data you might store inyour directory, and other tasks you need to perform to design the contents ofyour Directory Server.• How to Design the Schema.Your directory is designed to support one or more directory-enabledapplications. These applications have requirements of the data you store inyour directory, such as format. Your directory schema determines thecharacteristics of the data stored in your directory. Chapter 3, “How to Designthe Schema,” introduces the standard schema shipped with Directory Server,describes how to customize the schema, and provides tips for maintainingconsistent schema.• Designing the Directory Tree.Once you decide what data your directory contains, you need to organize andreference that data. This is the purpose of the directory tree. In Chapter 4,“Designing the Directory Tree,” the directory tree is introduced and you areguided through the design of your data hierarchy. Sample directory treedesigns are also provided.• Designing the Directory Topology.Topology design involves determining how you divide your directory treeamong multiple physical Directory Servers and how these serverscommunicate with one another. Chapter 5, “Designing the DirectoryTopology,” describes the general principles behind topology design, discussesusing multiple databases, describes the mechanisms available for linking yourdistributed data together, and explains how the directory itself keeps track ofdistributed data.
