Abstract: A method for creates a directory service in a scalable peer-to-peer-network, which is distributed to groups having at least one peer. In order to release a resource and to start a search enquiry for a resource, allocation values are formed using an allocation instruction according to the resource allocation values from a predefined address area. Only one group is responsible for each allocation value and the release of a resource or search enquiry for a resource is transmitted to the responsible group only.