Cache is king for virtual directories

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
10/17/05

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Learn more about the two forms of cache: in-memory and
persistent
* Links related to Networking Technology Update
* Featured reader resource
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IS WIMAX REALLY JUST AROUND THE CORNER?

With excitement building about WiMAX, you might be surprised
that, technically, no real WiMAX products are available yet.
That is, none that meet the 802.16 profile as defined by the
WiMAX Forum and certified compatible by the Forum's appointed
lab in Spain. Will there be products? Click here for more:
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117721
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Today's focus:

Cache is king for virtual directories

By Michel Prompt

Virtual directories are touted for their flexibility, but the
technology isn't known for its speed. A virtual directory adds
an extra layer of software and intermediate TCP/IP hop. Factor
in the dynamic transformation, the join of data from disparate
directories and the reorganization of the underlying namespaces,
and a virtual directory will always be slower than the sources
it virtualized.

But in critical operations such as identification,
authentication and authorization, a virtual directory needs to
provide guaranteed fast access to information. In many cases,
the virtual directory needs to read faster than underlying
sources can deliver. It can accomplish this through caching
mechanisms.

A virtual directory can be divided into two layers. The front
end handles the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol ( LDAP
<http://www.networkworld.com/details/752.html> ) or another
standard protocol, and the back end maps and transforms the data
from the virtualized sources (directories, databases and/or
applications). The back end represents the virtualization layer,
and the virtual directory's performance depends on the
scalability and speed of the back end.

A virtual directory needs access to the underlying virtualized
data sources. Without a caching strategy, a virtual directory
acts as a proxy, forwarding the calls to the underlying sources.
Even with the best optimization at the front-end level, a
virtual directory will deliver only a fraction of the speed of
underlying sources.

There are essentially two forms of cache: in-memory and
persistent. To read about them, go to:
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8799>

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine has serious bug
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8491>
2. New WLAN group shakes up standards process
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8793>
3. Windows 2000 vulnerability could lead to new outbreak
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8794>
4. You won't find this book on Oprah's list
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8493>
5. IETF effort promises fewer net failures
<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate8492>

_______________________________________________________________
To contact:

Prompt is CEO of Radiant Logic. He can be reached at
mprompt@radiantlogic.com
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter sponsored by Nortel
Building the Mobile Enterprise Online Expo

The workplace is changing rapidly. Employees need to be
untethered from their desks while remaining connected and
accessible. This online event helps you solve your enterprise
mobility challenges by bringing together industry leaders,
including Nortel's CTO and CIO and RIM's VP Enterprise Systems,
to discuss the hottest topics in enterprise mobility. Broadcast
live to your desktop on Nov. 8, 2005. Register today!
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117404
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Technology Update archive:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/tech/index.html
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The wireless of today and tomorrow

Wireless technology is evolving quickly. Find out how to pick
tomorrow's technology today.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=117573
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE

Network World Technology Insider on Security: Is Encryption the
Perspective?

Encryption won't solve all your security issues but these days
there is no excuse for not safeguarding your organization's
sensitive data. From Clear Choice product coverage to new
regulations and high-profile breaches, this Technology Insider
on Security covers it all. Click here to read now:

<http://www.networkworld.com/nltechupdate7463>
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