DSML or Directory Services Markup Language is a proposed set of rules for using XML to define the data content and structure of a distributed directory. It provides developers with a simple and convenient way to implement XML-based applications on the internet. DSML enables XML-based enterprise applications to leverage the resource information from directories and helps directories and XML to work together efficiently.
Features of DSML
- Allows applications to use directories communicating via XML
- Leverages eXtensible Markup Language (XML) for defining directory content
- Adopts Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) data models for directories and directory access operations
- Serves as a common foundation for XML-based applications
- Helps to manage the structure of a directory and its content
The Directory Services Markup Language (DSML) provides enterprise applications with an efficient way to represent directory service information in an XML syntax. DSML version 1 was announced in 1999 and version 2 was published in 2001. It includes an XML schema for representing LDAP-based directory access operations.
DSML for Windows
DSML services for Windows offer applications the ability to read from and write to Active Directory and Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM) using XML documents. Both of these directories are based on the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), making it easy for developers to integrate with current technologies.
FAQs
What is the role of DSML in directory services?
DSML is used to define the data content and structure of a directory and manage it in distributed directories. It provides a convenient and simple way to implement XML-based applications on the web. DSML can leverage resource information from directories in a native environment and helps directories and XML work together seamlessly.
Which organizations support DSML?
Supporters of DSML include AOL-Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Novell, Microsoft, and IBM. These organizations understand the importance of directories in managing relationships between resources and information and the potential benefits that DSML can provide.
Final Thoughts
DSML is a proposed standard for using XML to define the data content and structure of a directory and manage it in distributed directories. It serves as a foundation for XML-based applications and allows developers to use directories communicating through XML. DSML is widely supported by renowned organizations, including Microsoft and IBM, which indicates its prominence and potential for future use.
