Distributed directory service using junction nodes for providing network users with an integrated hierarchical directory services

Abstract

A distributed directory service for an online services network. The directory service comprises multiple, separate services, referred to as 'Directory Service Providers.' Each Directory Service Provider stores and provides access to a respective hierarchical directory structure, with nodes of the directory structures representing the various on-line services and other content entities which may be accessed by end users of the network. A common application program interface is implemented by all Directory Service Providers, allowing client applications running on computers of end users to access the different directory structures using a common set of software methods. Various forms of node filtering, including language-based filtering and access rights filtering, are performed by the Directory Service Providers to determine which nodes to show end users.