LDAP and ADSI

Microsoft also provides the Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI) for developing client-side directory service applications. ADSI consists of a directory service model and a set of COM interfaces. These interfaces allow you to develop network directory service access applications for Windows NT/Windows 2000 and Windows 95/98. ADSI uses an LDAP provider to communicate the Active Directory. ADSI can also access Novell NetWare Directory Services. ADSI can communicate with various directory services by using their native providers.

For more information about ADSI, see Active Directory Service Interfaces.