Red Hat Directory Server is an LDAP-based server that centralizes application settings, user profiles, group data, policies, and access control information into an operating system-independent, network-based registry. Forming the central repository for an Identity Management infrastructure, Red Hat Directory Server simplifies user management, eliminating data redundancy and automating data maintenance. It also improves security, by storing policies and access control information, Red Hat Directory Server creates a single authentication source across entire enterprise for both intra- and extranet applications.