Apache Directory Server

6.7easy start · #5 of 31
in Directory Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you workyes

Runs on Linux, Mac, self-hosted, Windows.

Apache Directory Server is ranked #5 of 31 in directory software on The Geeks Club. It runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

Apache Directory Server plans and pricing

All plans

ApacheDS 2.0.0.AM27 Free Free download · self-hosted directory server directory.apache.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on directory software

Free plan: Yes

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The record

Purpose: ApacheDS is an extensible, embeddable directory server written in Java and certified LDAPv3 compatible by the Open Group.
Protocols: The project page describes support for LDAP, Kerberos 5, and the Change Password Protocol.
Access control: ApacheDS uses an adaptation of the X.500 basic access control scheme and X.500 subentries to control access to directory entries and attributes.
Replication: ApacheDS 2.0 supports multi-master replication via RFC 4533 and is described as compatible with OpenLDAP.
Password policy: ApacheDS supports the LDAP Password Policy draft to enforce rules for stronger password use.
Configuration: Server configuration uses LDIF files.
Extensibility: The server supports pluggable components and subsystems, and allows different backends to be implemented and plugged into its partition nexus.
Java embedding: ApacheDS is written in Java and can be embedded in Java applications.
Platforms: The project lists Linux, macOS, and Windows support, while noting that this version has no macOS installer.
Production readiness: The project says Apache Directory Server is not production ready because of data corruption issues, and recommends minimizing updates and keeping backups if it is used in production.
Intended use: The project identifies testing, development, and education as suitable uses until the data corruption issue is fixed.
Support: The project provides user and developer mailing lists for questions about ApacheDS.
Security updates: The Apache Directory security advisories page lists advisories for Apache Kerby, Apache LDAP API, and Apache Directory Studio.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Directory Software in 2026#5 of 31

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Sources

directory.apache.org/apacheds/· checked 4 Oct 2026
directory.apache.org/apacheds/features.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
directory.apache.org/apacheds/downloads.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
directory.apache.org/apacheds/production-readiness.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
directory.apache.org/mailing-lists-and-irc.html· checked 4 Oct 2026
directory.apache.org/security-advisories.html· checked 4 Oct 2026