A directory enabled network element, which in one embodiment, is a network device that has an element that enables querying, accessing, and updating directory information that is managed by a directory service of a network. An application programming interface (API) is configured to receive directory services requests from application programs (APs) and provide the directory services requests to the directory enabling element. A locator service is accessible using the API and configured to locate servers that provide the directory services. A bind service in the directory enabling element is coupled to a security protocol. An event service is configured to receive registration of an event and an associated action from an AP, notify the AP when the event occurs, and execute the associated responsive action. The network device can thereby automatically authenticate itself to a directory service.