During partitioning, the directory data of a directory service is distributed among separate areas (partitions). Directory service partitions are generally replicated to ensure better load distribution. Redundant data storage also improves reliability and thereby increases availability. Appropriate planning is therefore also of crucial importance here: while partition and replication settings can be changed later on, doing so can cause problems. If the partitioning and replication of the directory service is planned incorrectly or inadequately, this can have negative effects. It can lead to losses of data as well as to inconsistencies in the data stored, to poor availability of the directory service, to a lower overall system performance, and possibly even to failures.