Active Directory (AD) is crucial for effective user management, security, and resource access. Whether you're managing on-premises systems or moving to the cloud, the right type of AD service can make all the difference.
Types of Active Directory, including:
-
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)--> Backbone of traditional on-prem AD. -
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)--> A streamlined directory for application management. -
Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)--> For managing digital certificates and secure communications. -
Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)--> Enabling Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple domains. -
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)--> A cloud-native solution for modern, cloud-based enterprises.
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Selecting the Appropriate Active Directory Type for Your Business
AD DS: Choose this if you need centralized authentication and management
of domain resources in a secure and scalable environment.
AD LDS: Opt for AD LDS if you need lightweight directory services for specific applications without the overhead of full AD DS management.
AD CS: Select AD CS if your organization requires the management of certificates for encryption and secure communication.
AD FS: Ideal for businesses that need secure identity federation across multiple domains or external services.
AD RMS: Choose AD RMS if your organization needs to protect sensitive data by enforcing strict access policies.
Top comments (1)
It is not an either/or discussion as presented above. Active Directory Domain Services is the core of CS, and FS when used with AD. Azure AD also requires it to ask extent of your syncing from on premises.