# Provisioning with IDS

You can integrate the user database of a corporate directory service with the MiCollab database to minimize data entry and administration. The user data on the corporate directory server is synchronized with the MiCollab database using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). If single point provisioning is enabled, then MiCollab distributes the user data to the communication platforms. Synchronization occurs in one direction only—from the directory server to MiCollab.

On the directory server, you can assign an "employeeType" attribute to each user data record. The "employeeType" attribute maps to a "role" in the MiCollab database which corresponds to a MiCollab user template. The template applies additional personal data, application services, and telephony features to the user entry.

MiCollab detects updates that are made on the directory server via polling. MiCollab polls the directory server on a pre-specified interval or on-demand. Refer to Integrated Directory Services for details.