Frustratedly searching through online directories is a pain, especially when using mobile Safari. Fortunately, Neoos has developed LDAPeople, an address book search client for online directories. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol database directories are often found on large company websites as the sole source of contact information. Using LDAPeople easily accesses the database and presents the results in a view similar to the native Address Book app, which is much more user friendly that accessing the database from mobile Safari.
The Basics
Once setup, utilizing the LDAPeople application is as simple as searching your own Address Book. The app is particularly useful for people whose companies rely on Google Apps. Google App directories, unless carefully setup by network administrators, display only an email address when using the native Global Address Book, which can be setup through Settings>Mail, Contacts, and Calendars in iOS.
LDAPeople presents the complete search results, including the person’s name, title, department, phone numbers, emails, and address (assuming that information is listed in the online directory). In addition, the results are active fields, allowing the user to email, call, or search a map simply by taping the specific information. For a better understanding, take a close look at the following screenshots.
Setup
Based solely on the language contained in this review, it is no surprise that getting the app correctly paired with your LDAP directory of choice is fairly complicated, even though a complete set of instructions are listed on the Neoos product webpage. The guide is extensive and carefully explains the setup instructions; however, if you are not that familiar with code or do not have quick access to your network administrator, you may be at a loss. The function of LDAPeople is fairly complex, which by nature, requires a fairly complex user setup.
For users with the desire to completely adjust search results and query strings, LDAPeople includes this functionality. Complete with an attribute mapper, LDAPeople is customizable to personal preferences. In addition, multiple directories can be managed from within the app, preventing the user from setting up individual directories each time it needs to be searched.
Conclusion [rating: 4/5]
LDAPeople ($2.99, iTunes Link) is absolutely the best way to browse online directories. Even though my company uses Google Apps, I still prefer to use LDAPeople to complete a directory search from my iPhone. The presentation of search string results and the ability to make a call or draft an email with a tap, makes this a must-have app for those with the know-how to use it.
Pros
- Easily search online directory databases
- Great customer service
- Search results are actionable
- Complete result information, including necessary contact information, titles, and department names
- Forget logging into mobile Safari to use online directories
- SSL security compatible
- Configuration important/export (xml)
- Contacts can be copied from LDAPeople into native Address Book
Cons
- Due to the nature of the app, setup is fairly complicated
