An Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) instance refers to a standalone installation of the AD LDS service on a server. AD LDS is a directory service provided by Microsoft, designed to provide directory functionality for applications that require a lightweight and flexible directory infrastructure.
An AD LDS instance functions as an independent directory store, separate from the traditional Active Directory (AD) service. It allows organizations to create and manage directories for specific applications and services, without the need for a full-fledged AD deployment.
AD LDS instances can be created on a server running a Windows operating system, and each instance is identified by a unique name and is configured with specific settings and properties. The instance can store and manage directory data, such as user accounts, groups, and application-specific attributes.
These instances are highly flexible and can be customized to meet the specific needs of different applications or services. They can be used for various scenarios, such as providing authentication and authorization services for web applications, managing lightweight directories for custom applications, or enabling independent directory services for branch offices or subsidiaries.
Overall, an AD LDS instance offers a scaled-down version of the Active Directory service, tailored to the requirements of specific applications and providing a lightweight and customizable directory infrastructure.
