LDAP_SEARCH function not returning photos stored in Active Directory with LDAP integration in SAP BSP application

When working with LDAP integration in SAP BSP applications, you may encounter issues where the LDAP_SEARCH function module doesn't return photo data stored in Active Directory. This is a common problem that can be resolved by switching to a more appropriate function module.

Solution: Use LDAP_READ Instead

I would recommend using LDAP_READ instead of LDAP_SEARCH, and you will see that thumbnail photos should be available in a convenient form as XSTRING data type.

LDAP_SEARCH is mentioned as obsolete in SAP documentation and may not handle binary data like photos correctly. The LDAP_READ function module is specifically designed for reading individual LDAP entries with all their attributes, including binary data such as thumbnailPhoto.

Accessing Function Module Documentation

To see full documentation of this function module, you can use T-code SE37 to open Function Builder. Navigate to Goto ? Documentation ? Function Module Documentation.

Function Module Details

Function Module: LDAP_READ

Function Group: FSLDAP_EXT

Program Name: SAPLFSLDAP_EXT

INCLUDE Name: LFSLDAP_EXTU01

By using LDAP_READ, you'll be able to successfully retrieve photo data from Active Directory and display it in your SAP BSP application. The binary photo data will be returned as XSTRING, which can then be processed and displayed appropriately in your web application.