What does a meta directory do?

A meta directory is an important tool in identity and access management that functions by gathering information from various disparate data sources and consolidating it into a singular, centralized directory. This process allows organizations to have a cohesive view of user identities and related data stored in multiple systems—such as Active Directory, databases, and other directory services.

By synthesizing these different sources, a meta directory simplifies management tasks, enhances user information coherence, and helps maintain consistency across systems. This is particularly beneficial for organizations with multiple platforms or applications that require user identity data, minimizing the complexity of accessing and managing identities spread across different systems.

In contrast, collecting data from a single source does not capture the essence of a meta directory, as it requires multiple inputs to fulfill its function. Encrypting stored information is related to data protection but does not describe the central role of a meta directory. Additionally, providing direct access to applications refers to access management rather than the data aggregation that a meta directory performs.