Method, system and computer program product for a lightweight directory access protocol client application program interface

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to the lightweight directory access protocol and more particularly to a method, system and computer program product including a lightweight directory access protocol client application program interface.

#2. Discussion of the Background

#The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) system;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a logical architecture of a LDAP device of the system of FIG. 1;

#A method, device and computer program product for a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) client application program interface (API), are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

#The present invention includes numerous advantages over conventional HTML/HTTP-based systems and methods typically used in hand-held devices. In this respect, the present invention includes recognition that HTML/HTTP may be bloated when compared to lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP, e.g., as taught in “Implementing LDAP,” by Mark Wilcox, March 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). Accordingly, a HTML/HTTP Web browser function typically needs more instructions to render an HTML document than a thin LDAP client according to the present invention uses to process and reply to a query and perform a similar function.

#In addition, a Web browser function using HTML/HTTP would typically need cache to store the HTML and perhaps images, whereas a thin LDAP client according to the present invention typically employs only the space needed to store query results and the space to store the query results may be configured. Further, for the types of services and applications that the present invention suggests (e.g., as described in commonly owned co-pending United States Patent Application filed herewith, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR LIGHTWEIGHT DIRECTORY ACCESS PROTOCOL APPLICATIONS,” Ser. No. ______, ATTY. DOCK. NO. 09710-1091/COS-01-020, there may be typically no need for intensive graphics or an exuberant layout. Moreover, LDAP results in less network traffic than HTML/HTTP because in HTML/HTTP each request constitutes a new session or connection, whereas with LDAP functions that would employ multiple HTML/HTTP requests may be accomplished via a single LDAP query.