Any discussion of NetID must begin with directory services and LDAP. Directory Services at CIS is a fairly complex and involved operation that includes not only the OpenLDAP server but a number of relational databases that both support and maintain the directory. The relational databases are used for processing and storing information received from BPP, SIMS and other sources of information. These databases are also used to store information about each directory entry such as when the entry was created, what data source or sources were used to create the entry and what affiliations the individual has. They are also used to track activity for each entry including password changes and updates. These databases and the LDAP directory form the core of the NetID account management system.
The following sections go deeper into the various aspects of NetID password management.
The LDAP directory has a great many attributes and fields, all of which are described in the schema for the server. A copy of that schema is included here for information purposes. It is rather cryptic in places but does list the various attributes currently supported by CIS Please note that just being in the schema does not guarantee an attribute is populated or set. An entire site will be devoted to documenting the schema and that work is underway now.