X.500 Directory Services

X.500 Directory Services is a set of international standards for organizing and accessing a global directory of network resources, such as users, organizations, and devices. Think of it as a massive, well-structured address book that helps computers find each other and share information securely across networks. It uses hierarchical naming similar to a folder system, making it easier to locate entities in complex organizational structures. Widely used in email systems and large networks, X.500 ensures consistent, reliable, and efficient communication and management of network resources.