The Directory Server provides a client-accessible LDAP changelog (based on the Changelog Internet Draft Specification) for the purpose of allowing other LDAP clients to retrieve changes made to the server in standard LDAP format. The LDAP changelog is typically used by external software to maintain application compatibility between client services. For example, you can install the Data Sync Server that monitors the LDAP changelog for any updates that occur on a source directory server and synchronizes these changes to a target DIT or database server. The Directory Server provides an additional feature in that the LDAP changelog supports virtual attributes.

Note: The LDAP Changelog should not be confused with the Replication Changelog. The main distinction is as follows:
  • The LDAP Changelog (i.e., the external changelog that clients can access) physically resides at <server-root>/db/changelog.
  • The Replication Changelog Backend (i.e., the changelog that replication servers use) physically resides at <server-root>/changelogDB.