Final answer:
LDAP is a protocol for accessing and managing directory information services over a network. It is widely used in enterprise environments for tasks like user authentication and central storage of user profiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a widely used protocol for accessing and managing directory information services over a network. It provides a standardized way to locate and retrieve information from a directory and perform operations such as adding, modifying, and deleting directory entries.
LDAP is commonly used in enterprise environments for tasks like user authentication, authorization, and centralized storage of user profiles and contact information. It is also used in email systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other network services.
For example, LDAP can be used by an organization to maintain a directory of employee information, including their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. By utilizing LDAP, various applications and services within the organization can easily access and update this information.