Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services

Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) is a flexible, secure database system used to store and manage information about users, applications, and resources in a network. Unlike the full Active Directory, AD LDS doesn’t handle domain or authentication services, making it suitable for applications that need directory data without the complexity of a domain. It provides a centralized way to organize, access, and manage data securely, supporting various applications and services with ease and scalability. Essentially, it's a lightweight, specialized directory tool that helps applications work smoothly within a network environment.