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Apache Directory Server

directory.apache.org

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Spec score 8.1 #6 of 31 in Directory Software

What it is

Apache Directory Server (ApacheDS) is an extensible directory server written in Java, certified LDAPv3 compatible by the Open Group. It supports LDAP, Kerberos 5, and the Change Password Protocol, and can also be embedded in Java applications. Server configuration uses LDIF files; pluggable components and subsystems let different backends be added to its partition nexus. For access control, ApacheDS adapts the X.500 basic access control scheme and uses X.500 subentries to control access to directory entries and attributes. Version 2.0 supports multi-master replication via RFC 4533 and is described as compatible with OpenLDAP. It also supports the LDAP Password Policy draft for enforcing stronger password rules. ApacheDS is free, with a free plan and no free trial, and is listed for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use. The project says it is not production ready because of data corruption issues. It identifies testing, development, and education as suitable uses until the issue is fixed, and advises minimizing updates and keeping backups if it is used in production.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ApacheDS is an extensible, embeddable directory server written in Java and certified LDAPv3 compatible by the Open Group.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Platforms
The project lists Linux, macOS, and Windows support, while noting that this version has no macOS installer.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Support
The project provides user and developer mailing lists for questions about ApacheDS.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Access control
ApacheDS uses an adaptation of the X.500 basic access control scheme and X.500 subentries to control access to directory entries and attributes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Configuration
Server configuration uses LDIF files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Extensibility
The server supports pluggable components and subsystems, and allows different backends to be implemented and plugged into its partition nexus.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Intended use
The project identifies testing, development, and education as suitable uses until the data corruption issue is fixed.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Java embedding
ApacheDS is written in Java and can be embedded in Java applications.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Password policy
ApacheDS supports the LDAP Password Policy draft to enforce rules for stronger password use.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Production readiness
The project says Apache Directory Server is not production ready because of data corruption issues, and recommends minimizing updates and keeping backups if it is used in production.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Protocols
The project page describes support for LDAP, Kerberos 5, and the Change Password Protocol.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Replication
ApacheDS 2.0 supports multi-master replication via RFC 4533 and is described as compatible with OpenLDAP.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org
Security updates
The Apache Directory security advisories page lists advisories for Apache Kerby, Apache LDAP API, and Apache Directory Studio.Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org

Plans and prices

ApacheDS 2.0.0.AM27 Free Free download · self-hosted directory server Read 4 Oct 2026 · directory.apache.org

Every Apache Directory Server plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan; no trial is listed.
  • LDAPv3 compatible and supports LDAP and Kerberos 5.
  • Can be embedded in Java applications.
  • Pluggable components and backends are supported.
  • Version 2.0 supports multi-master replication.

Limits

  • The project says it is not production ready.
  • Data corruption issues remain.
  • Production use requires minimizing updates and keeping backups.

Who it suits

ApacheDS suits testing, development, and education settings that need an LDAP directory server or Java embedding. Its stated production-readiness warning makes it a poor fit for production use until data corruption issues are fixed.

Verdict

ApacheDS offers a broad set of directory capabilities, including access controls, replication, and extensibility. The stated data corruption issue is a significant limitation; the project recommends it for testing, development, and education until that is fixed.

Where Specifiction places it

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