The Name service allows clients to locate the service they need without knowing where and how to reach the server providing the service. To perform this service, Name service hides the network location and network protocols behind a symbolic service identification. This mechanism makes the application independent from the details, allowing, for example, for redistributing the server application from one system to another without any change in the client applications.
In Windows, this service is assured by the Microsoft Locator.
In a mixed UNIX and Windows environment, this service is provided by the Cell Directory Service (CDS).