PeopleSoft Signon Process - using LDAP

So what is LDAP? 

LDAP stands for “Lightweight Directory Access Protocol”. It is an application protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over internet.

In Peoplesoft LDAP authentication signon process, signon peoplecode access LDAP authentication directory to validate and authenticate a user.

Let me explain the entire process with the help of a simple flowchart:

Now, the question in front of us is: what are signon peoplecode, business interlinks and USER_PROFILE component interface?

Signon PeopleCode is the peoplecode that execute during the signon process. Any peoplecode program can be executed at signon time. PeopleSoft delivers LDAP Authentication Signon PeopleCode PeopleTools 8 onwards.

Business Interlinks are tools that expose external systems to peoplecode programs.

The LDAP_SEARCH and LDAP_BIND Business Interlinks are called by Signon Peoplecode for LDAP authentication providing an API to access LDAP compliant directories.

USER_PROFILE Component Interface provides a peoplecode API for the USER_PROFILE Component. This API can be used in peoplecode programs to manage user profiles. Business Interlinks provide the external access out of PeopleSoft. Component Interfaces provide the internal access into Peolesoft.