!!! Overview
In computing, an [Object Identifier] or OID or [LDAPOID] is an identifier used to name an object (compare URN). Structurally, an OID consists of a node in a hierarchically-assigned [namespace], formally defined using the ITU-T's ASN.1 standard. Successive numbers of the nodes, starting at the root of the tree, identify each node in the tree. Designers set up new nodes by registering them under the node's registration authority. The root of the tree contains the following three arcs:
* 0: [ITU]-T - [ITU] is also referenced as [CCITT]
* 1: [ISO]
* 2: joint-[ISO]-[ITU]-t

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_identifier]


!! LDAP [Object Identifier]
[LDAP] [Object Identifier] are specifically defined at: [LDAP Object Identifier Descriptors]

!! [X.500] Object IDentifiers ([{$pagename}]s)
The [LDAP] "Data model", mentions every [objectClass] must be uniquely identified by an [OID]. But what is an [OID]?

Every [objectClass] that is part of a [LDAP Schema] receives a dotted decimal hierarchical identifier. These OIDs can be organized in a tree structure, very similar to the [X.500] [DIT] , called Object Identifier Tree (OIT). They were defined by the [X.208] standard, and they have been revised and updated by the [X.680] standard. Immediately below the root of this tree, there are only three values currently defined as shown above.

Each [LDAP Schema] element is identified by a globally unique Object Identifier (OID). OIDs are also used to identify other objects. They are commonly found in protocols described by ASN.1. In particular, they are heavily used by the [Simple Network Management Protocol] ([SNMP]). As OIDs are [hierarchical], your organization can obtain one OID and branch it as needed.

You can design a [hierarchy] suitable to your organizational needs under your organization's OID. No matter what hierarchy you choose, you should maintain a registry of assignments you make. This can be a simple flat file or a something more sophisticated such as the [OpenLDAP OID Registry|http://www.openldap.org/faq/index.cgi?file=197].
For more information about Object Identifiers (and a listing service) see [http://www.alvestrand.no/harald/objectid/].

!! Under no circumstances should you use a fictitious OID!
To [obtain a fully registered OID at no cost|How To Get Your Own OID], apply for an OID under Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) maintained Private Enterprise arch. Any private enterprise (organization) may request an OID to be assigned under this arch. Just fill out the [IANA form|http://www.iana.org/cgi-bin/enterprise.pl] and your official OID will be sent to you usually within a few days. Your base OID will be something like 1.3.6.1.4.1.X were X is an integer.

[Microsoft] has an OID for [Microsft Base OID for Customer Usage|http://www.alvestrand.no/objectid/1.2.840.113556.1.8000.2554.html |target='_blank'][1] and even a [script to help generate them|http://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/56b78004-40d0-41cf-b95e-6e795b2e8a06 |target='_blank'][2] 

!! [LDAP Schema] Usage
An object identifier, [OID], is a string that is comprised of a series of integers separated by periods.  It is used as a unique identifier for various types of elements in the Directory Server, including:

* [LDAPSyntaxes]
* [Matching Rule]
* [AttributeType]
* [Object Class]
* [Name Forms]
* [SupportedControl]
* [Extended Request]
* [Supported Features]

!! [How To Get Your Own OID]
We show you [How To Get Your Own OID], free!

%%information
Don't let the "[MIB]/[SNMP]" statement on the [IANA] page confuse you. OIDs obtained using this form may be used for any purpose including identifying [LDAP Schema] elements.
Name Prefixes
%%

!! External Links for More Information
* [OID Repository|http://www.oid-info.com/index.htm|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28
* [The Alvestrand Repository|http://www.alvestrand.no/objectid/top.html|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28
* [HL7-Assigned OIDs|http://www.hl7.org/oid/index.cfm|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28
* [Debian OID hierarchy|https://dsa.debian.org/iana/|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28
* [A URN Namespace of Object Identifiers|https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3061.txt|target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28

!! More Information
There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:
[{ReferringPagesPlugin before='*' after='\n' }]
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* [#1] - [Microsft Base OID for Customer Usage|http://www.alvestrand.no/objectid/1.2.840.113556.1.8000.2554.html |target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28
* [#2] - [script to help generate them|http://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/56b78004-40d0-41cf-b95e-6e795b2e8a06 |target='_blank'] - based on information obtained 2014-03-28