HP UX Direry Server 2.3.2Identifying data sources, 2.3.3 Characterizing the directory data, Table, •Size, •Format, “ Example information sources”

Table 2-1 Example application data needs

Application	Class of data	Data
Phonebook	People	Name, email address, phone number, user ID, password,
		department number, manager, mail stop.
Web server	People, groups	User ID, password, group name, groups members, group
		owner.
Calendar server	People, meeting rooms	Name, user ID, cube number, conference room name.

After identifying the applications and information used by each application, it is apparent that some types of data are used by more than one application. Performing this kind of exercise during the data planning stage can help to avoid data redundancy problems in the directory, and show more clearly what data directory-dependent applications require.

The final decision about the types of data maintained in the directory and when the information is migrated to the directory is affected by these factors:

•The data required by various legacy applications and users•The ability of legacy applications to communicate with an LDAP directory2.3.2Identifying data sources

To identify all the data to include in the directory, perform a survey of the existing data stores. The survey should include the following:

•Identify organizations that provide information.

Locate all the organizations that manage information essential to the enterprise. Typically, this includes the information services, human resources, payroll, and accounting departments.

•Identify the tools and processes that are information sources.

Some common sources for information are networking operating systems (Windows, Novell Netware, UNIX NIS), email systems, security systems, PBX (telephone switching) systems, and human resources applications.

•Determine how centralizing each piece of data affects the management of data.

Centralized data management can require new tools and new processes. Sometimes centralization requires increasing staff in some organizations while decreasing staff in others.

During the survey, consider developing a matrix that identifies all the information sources in the enterprise, similar to Table 2-2 “ Example information sources”:

Table 2-2 Example information sources

Data source	Class of data	Data
Human resources database	People	Name, address, phone number, department number,
		manager.
Email system	People, Groups	Name, email address, user ID, password, email
		preferences.
Facilities system	Facilities	Building names, floor names, cube numbers, access codes.

2.3.3 Characterizing the directory data

All the data identified to include in the directory can be characterized according to the following general points:

•Format•Size•Number of occurrences in various applications

20 Planning the directory data