(1) In the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), a pointer from one LDAP directory server to another.
(2) A way for servers to refer clients to additional directory servers. With referrals you can: distribute namespace information among multiple servers, provide knowledge of where data resides within a set of interrelated servers, and route client requests to the appropriate server.
(3) A record that shows number of times a third-party business or Web site has referred customers to the Web site. Referrals can be measured for recognition purposes through various techniques including clickstream analysis, clickthrough rates, affiliate marketing services, and surveys.