JNDI =
Java Naming and Directory Interface.
it gives you a common access to several naming and directory services.
JNDI is built uppon a provider architecture -> you can access every naming service as long as there is a provider for it. There is a wide range available from sun, i think. (RMI registry, LDAP... check the
sun page) there are also providers available for other services (you might have to pay) like a windows registry service provider.
-> if you just want to do some RMI: go with RMI registry.
-> if you develop on RMI regsitry but client might use other (or several other) naming services: go with JNDI
-> if you are curious and have enough time: give it a glance.
k