A virtual directory operates as a high-performance, lightweight abstraction layer that resides between client applications and disparate types of identity-data repositories, such as proprietary and standard directories, databases, web services, and applications.
This ability to reach into disparate repositories makes virtual directory technology ideal for consolidating data stored in a distributed environment.
Industry experts have heralded the importance of the virtual directory in modernizing the identity infrastructure.
"[1] In addition, Gartner analyst, Bob Blakley[2] said that virtual directories are playing an increasingly vital role.
Virtual directories were initially designed and later deployed with "push technologies" in mind, which also contravened with privacy laws of the United States.