Apache Directory Server vs Courtyard
Apache Directory Server
directory.apache.orgCourtyard
courtyardapp.comSide by side
| Figure | Apache Directory Server | Courtyard |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $9/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 9 |
| Spec score · Directory Software | 8.1 (#6) | 8.2 (#5) |
| 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. | Administrators control who can access the online directory and can add other administrators with editing and settings permissions. |
| Purpose | ApacheDS is an extensible, embeddable directory server written in Java and certified LDAPv3 compatible by the Open Group. | Courtyard provides a private, interactive online directory for churches, schools, homeschool groups, and other member communities. |
| Support | The project provides user and developer mailing lists for questions about ApacheDS. | Every plan includes email and phone support, and the contact page lists dedicated support, sales, billing, and feedback email addresses. |
Plans
Courtyard
- 1–29 families$9 a month
- 30–99 families$19 a month
- 100–199 families$29 a month
- 200–299 families$39 a month
- 300–399 families$49 a month
- 400–599 families$69 a month
- 600–799 families$89 a month
- 800–999 families$119 a month
- 1000+ families$199 a month
In their own words
Apache Directory Server
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.
Courtyard
Courtyard is a private online directory for churches, schools, homeschool groups, and other member communities. It organizes people by family and gives administrators tools to manage access, oversee edits, and add other administrators with editing or settings permissions. Members can update their own entries, while the dashboard highlights recent changes, upcoming birthdays, and member locations on an interactive map. The service can produce PDF photo, directory, and monthly birthday printouts, with custom fields available for print and export. Existing directories can be imported from Excel, CSV, Word, or text files, including CSV exports from membership databases. Courtyard says subscriber imports are free; the usual target is 24 hours, with some taking up to a week. Android, iOS, and web are listed platforms; the iPhone app also supports offline directory access. Plans start at $9/month for 1–29 families, and a 30-day trial is available. There is no free plan. Every plan includes email and phone support.