A connector is a Java process that manages the synchronization process in a single data source type. A connector detects user changes in the data source and publishes these changes to remote connectors over Message Queue.
Identity Synchronization for Windows provides the following directory-specific connectors. These connectors bidirectionally synchronize user attributes and password updates between directories and domains.
Directory Server Connector. Supports a single root suffix (for example, suffix/database) in a Directory Server.
Active Directory Connector. Supports a single instance in a Windows 2000 or Windows 2003 Server Active Directory source. You can use multiple connectors for additional domains.
Windows NT Connector. Supports a single domain on Windows NT.
The Watchdog is installed where you install a connector, and it starts, restarts, and stops the connectors. For more information, see Watchdog Process.