Understanding the Directory

Directories comprise specialized databases that are optimized for a high number of reads and searches and occasional writes and updates. Directories typically store data that does not change often, such as employee information, user privileges on the corporate network, and so on. This paper covers the main principles for synchronizing Cisco Unified Communications Manager with a corporate LDAP directory. The paper also discusses the administrator choice not to synchronize with a corporate LDAP directory and the consequences of that choice of configuration. The paper also summarizes considerations for providing Cisco Unified Communications endpoints, such as Cisco Unified IP Phones and Cisco IP Softphone, with access to a corporate LDAP directory.