1. A method for extending a directory schema independent of schema modification, the method comprising: instantiating an object instance of a content class comprising a flexible attribute that is based on a complex data type, the object instance being created in a directory based on the directory schema, the content class and flexible attribute being defined in the directory schema; and assigning a property to the flexible attribute, the property being operational or data providing in nature, the property having a data type that is independent of the complex data type.