Apache Directory Server vs DirectorySpot
Apache Directory Server
directory.apache.org
DirectorySpot
directoryspot.netSide by side
| Figure | Apache Directory Server | DirectorySpot |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $8.33/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 | 10 |
| Spec score · Directory Software | 8.1 (#6) | 8.1 (#10) |
| Support | The project provides user and developer mailing lists for questions about ApacheDS. | The maker offers a searchable Zendesk help center with admin and user categories, FAQs, and request submission. |
Plans
DirectorySpot
- HOAs and Churches — 1–50 households$100 a year
- HOAs and Churches — 51–100 households$200 a year
- Schools — 1–250 students$350 a year
- Schools — 251–500 students$450 a year
- Schools — 501–750 students$550 a year
- Schools — 751–1000 students$650 a year
- Schools — 1001–1500 students$750 a year
- Schools — 1501–2500 students$850 a year
- Schools — 2501–3500 students$950 a year
- Schools — 3501–4500 students$1,000 a year
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.
DirectorySpot
DirectorySpot is a private directory platform for schools, HOAs, churches, companies, and other organizations, available on Android, iOS, and the web. Administrators can import data from an Excel template or any Excel or CSV file, then manage it through a secure website; the maker says changes reach users within minutes. Users can search entries and call, text, email, or map to a contact. Organizations can add their colors and logo, link an existing school calendar, and give users access to several group directories through one login. Emailing a whole directory or class can be restricted by security profiles, and data can remain hidden until parents log in and approve or share it. The maker says data, files, and backups are encrypted at rest, traffic uses TLS, and passwords are hashed. DirectorySpot offers a 30-day trial but no free plan, with plans billed annually. Listed school plans range from $350 a year for 1–250 students to $1,000 a year for 3501–4500 students; HOA and church pricing starts at $100 a year for 1–50 households. Special pricing applies above stated directory-size thresholds.