AWS Directory Service vs Workspace ONE UEM comparison

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Omnissa are both solutions in the Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) category. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is ranked #16 with an average rating of 9.0, while Omnissa is ranked #8 with an average rating of 7.8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) holds a 1.8% mindshare in IAMS, compared to Omnissa’s 1.3% mindshare. Additionally, 93% of Amazon Web Services (AWS) users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 83% of Omnissa users who would recommend it.

AWS Directory Service

Read 15 AWS Directory Service reviews

830 Views
567 Comparison Views

93% willing to recommend

Workspace ONE UEM

Read 100 Workspace ONE UEM reviews

552 Views
461 Comparison Views

83% willing to recommend

AWS Directory Service

Workspace ONE UEM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 2, 2024

Workspace ONE UEM and AWS Directory Service are key players in enterprise management, with Workspace ONE UEM having the upper hand in mobile device management features and AWS Directory Service offering cost-effectiveness and seamless integration capabilities.

Features: Workspace ONE UEM provides a comprehensive suite of mobile device management features, including shared device mode, REST API integration, and secure email gateway. AWS Directory Service offers identity management functionalities, secure access protocols, and integration with AWS resources, although its mobile management features are limited.

Room for Improvement: Workspace ONE UEM could enhance its reporting capabilities, BYOD solutions, and Apple device support. AWS Directory Service needs better security protocol clarity and expanded integration options with traditional directory services, along with improvements in cloud watch service configuration.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Workspace ONE UEM allows flexible deployment across various cloud configurations, with a generally responsive customer support system. AWS Directory Service is primarily cloud-focused with mixed reviews on support, highlighting inconsistencies in entry-level assistance.

Pricing and ROI: Workspace ONE UEM is often seen as expensive, particularly for SMBs, whereas AWS Directory Service is viewed as cost-effective, offering efficient pricing management. AWS shows a quicker ROI for identity tasks, while Workspace ONE UEM provides long-term savings in secured environments.

To learn more, read our detailed AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM Report (Updated: March 2025).

Buyer's Guide

AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM

March 2025

Download the complete report

Helped 848,207 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

AWS Directory Service

Ranking in Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

16th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Workspace ONE UEM

Ranking in Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

8th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

100

Ranking in other categories

Remote Access (4th), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) (6th), Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) (3rd), Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) (2nd)

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) category, the mindshare of AWS Directory Service is 1.8%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Workspace ONE UEM is 1.3%, down from 2.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

Featured Reviews

Basa Saiteja

Consultant at Infosys

A valuable access management system with a user-friendly and straightforward setup

The solution is scalable, and we can scale according to our needs. I rate the scalability a nine out of ten. In our organization, our access to our AWS comes from IAM. We use AWS consoles using our credentials and don't have route access, so each person will log in through our IAM programmatic access, and everyone on our team can work on cloud. Over 10,000 people in our organization utilize the solution.

Read full review

Joel Amate

Project Engineer at CTC

The solution is stable, scalable, and offers single sign-on

I give the solution a nine out of ten. I suggest if a person wants to start using Workspace ONE, they should make use of the cloud instance instead of the on-premise instance. There is an on-premise instance available, but the cloud instance is a better option now. I advise them to make use of the cloud instance. This is because management-wise, there is no need to manage a server. For example, we don't need to buy a server, and we don't need to buy network switches, which are required for the on-premise. At the same time, I can advise setting up all the functionalities or whatever functionalities are available for the trial version. We need to check if the Workspace ONE integration includes Azure AD or other identity providers. A lot of applications are using these providers for authentication, such as Ping, Okta, and others. If the Workspace ONE integration doesn't include these providers, the company might have to find a different solution. Security projects should also be considered. Specifically, if the solution can integrate with local security solutions to secure mobile devices.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I would rate AWS Directory Service nine out of ten."

"The AD Connector is very good and easy to implement."

"The most valuable feature of AWS Directory Service is cost-cutting features."

"The most valuable feature is that because it's all in the cloud, you don't need to manage the infrastructure."

"AWS Directory Service is secure."

"AWS has eliminated the downtime we waste when our on-premises resources go down."

"The solution integrates well with other tools, particularly through single sign-on, allowing users to connect to various applications using just one password, including email."

"The pricing is very good because it is low and there is no management cost."

More AWS Directory Service pros

"The most valuable feature of VMware Workspace ONE is it provides the ability to find out the location of devices and manage end-point solutions when they are deployed, and keep them secure."

"The Identity component of this solution is its most valuable feature."

"For me, the integration of AirWatch with various enterprise components is something I like. The way they are partnering with various services, like security services, or some of the big guys like Google, Android, Apple, and including Microsoft; that's really awesome. And the way they look at providing functionality to create self-service and automation, that's really usefully and beneficial. That's where I see they differentiate themselves."

"You can put all your applications on a mobile device, be it a phone or tablet. It is secure and easy to use. Because it is centrally managed, you don't have to do any configuration on the phone. I just got the phone and connected to the central applications. I just downloaded one thing and everything got rolled out. Email, calendar, and other things were deployed centrally. If you don't have AirWatch, you have to configure your phone manually. For example, you need to deploy and configure your email manually and then synchronize everything. It is much simpler when a mobile device is centrally managed."

"The most valuable features are the ones that control the leaking."

"The feature that we find most valuable is the corporate email pushing."

"AirWatch has one of the best User Interfaces and it's quite easy to figure out where particular items are within the menu system."

"If an end-user has an issue with a device, the administration has the ability to remote access the device after approval from the end-user."

More Workspace ONE UEM pros

Cons

"We had a problem with the schema uploading and setting up the directory when we are migrating our users from on-premises to cloud infrastructure."

"AWS could improve the number of regions. Azure has passed them. The ned more consistency, as far as the Northeast is concerned."

"Some of the security protocols are difficult to understand."

"AWS Directory Service needs to improve processing."

"The AWS Directory Service should be easier to integrate."

"Can be improved by including on-premises access for services through Identity Access Management."

"I've encountered challenges, particularly with Amazon WorkDocs, which is being deprecated. This has made it necessary to find an alternative document management solution that can handle editing, sharing, and workflow management for documents like Word files and PDFs."

"Currently, there is no option to integrate our on-premises Cisco AWS Directory Service, requiring some manual configuration. If AWS Active Directory Service provided additional domain controller functionalities, like other on-premises Active Directory, it would be very helpful."

More AWS Directory Service cons

"I would like to have better support for multi-cloud sessions."

"I would like to see more service notifications."

"The license could be better."

"The length of time it takes to deploy an application could improve."

"The mobile device repository is somewhat difficult to manage with a large user base."

"Patching, fixing, and training for VMware Workspace ONE are areas that need to be improved."

"Pricing is the only challenge right now. The licensing fee should be simplified a little bit. They have kept too many products as add ons. These need to be bundled with the low-cost, standard version. This will help customers in adopting this technology at a faster pace."

"The SaaS environment is not very responsive at times, so the performance can be improved in that regard."

More Workspace ONE UEM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"AWS' pricing is fair, and costs can be cut if you look carefully at when you're using it."

"The pricing depends because with AWS there are two types of directory objects: 30,000 and 500,000. It varies. AWS provides the pricing calculators so we can get an estimate from there as per the company requirement of how many users and objects that we need to create. So we can go to that portal, put in the data, and get the quotation. There are no extra licensing fees. It's all included."

"We pay an annual subscription fee."

"The pricing is reasonable."

"VMware Workspace ONE can fit any organization because if you need more devices there are only additional fees."

"It's an expensive tool."

"There is a separate cost for technical support and extra premium features. The pricing should be simplified."

"The license is paid annually."

"The cost is a little bit high."

"The pricing and licensing are affordable. They are not too high."

"It's a highly affordable solution"

"In terms of pricing, this solution is definitely much more expensive compared to other solutions, like MobileIron or MaaS360 or any other product in the market. This solution is more expensive by 30 or 40 percent."

More Workspace ONE UEM pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

848,207 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Healthcare Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about AWS Directory Service?

The most valuable feature of AWS Directory Service is cost-cutting features.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for AWS Directory Service?

The pricing is very good because it is low and there is no management cost. You do not need to hire any system administrator to manage your Active Directory.

See all answers

What needs improvement with AWS Directory Service?

Currently, there is no option to integrate our on-premises Cisco AWS Directory Service, requiring some manual configuration. If AWS Active Directory Service provided additional domain controller fu...

See all answers

How does Microsoft Intune compare with VMware Workspace One?

Microsoft Intune is a great tool for managing a mobile device fleet while keeping access control. The solution makes it easy to control security and manage the usage of mobile apps when you have a ...

See all answers

How does VMware Workspace One compare with VMware Horizon 7?

VMware Workspace One has a powerful set of helpful features. The solution offers very good documentation, the initial setup is easy, and the product is very stable and reliable. I think the fact th...

See all answers

What do you like most about VMware Workspace ONE?

The platform provides a stable environment for operations and quickly creates new environments. Additionally, it offers efficient flexibility.

See all answers

Comparisons

Microsoft Entra ID vs AWS Directory Service

Compared 81% of the time

Microsoft Entra External ID vs AWS Directory Service

Compared 19% of the time

More AWS Directory Service Competitors

Microsoft Intune vs Workspace ONE UEM

Compared 34% of the time

Horizon 8 vs Workspace ONE UEM

Compared 8% of the time

SOTI MobiControl vs Workspace ONE UEM

Compared 7% of the time

Jamf Pro vs Workspace ONE UEM

Compared 6% of the time

ManageEngine Endpoint Central vs Workspace ONE UEM

Compared 5% of the time

More Workspace ONE UEM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

April 2025

Download AWS Directory Service product report

Buyer's Guide

Workspace ONE UEM

March 2025

Download Workspace ONE UEM product report

Also Known As

AWS Managed Microsoft AD

VMware Workspace ONE, VMware AirWatch, Workspace ONE Assist, VMware Identity Manager, Workspace ONE Access, VMware Horizon Air

Overview

AWS Directory Service lets you run Microsoft Active Directory (AD) as a managed service. AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory, also referred to as AWS Managed Microsoft AD, is powered by Windows Server 2012 R2. When you select and launch this directory type, it is created as a highly available pair of domain controllers connected to your virtual private cloud (VPC). The domain controllers run in different Availability Zones in a region of your choice. Host monitoring and recovery, data replication, snapshots, and software updates are automatically configured and managed for you.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

VMware Workspace ONE is an intelligence-driven digital workspace platform that delivers any app on any device. It integrates access control, multi-platform endpoint management, and application management. With the VMware Workspace ONE platform, IT teams can deliver a digital workspace that includes the devices and apps of the company’s choice, but with security and control.

VMware Workspace ONE is available:

As a cloud service
On-premises
Hybrid

VMware Workspace ONE Key Features

Simple app authentication: VMware Workspace ONE allows end-users to have password-less single sign-on, giving them access to virtually any app (mobile apps, web apps, cloud apps, and Windows apps).
Unified Endpoint Management options: VMware Workspace ONE aims to support all devices, offering convenience, access, security, and management that will work for any business.
Conditional access: VMware Workspace ONE provides a powerful policy engine to help you make dynamic decisions regarding end-user access rights and to protect sensitive information.
Automated app management: With VMware Workspace ONE the application delivery process can be automated, which improves security and compliance. Software packages can be automatically installed, updated, and removed, and automated workflows can also be created.

VMware Workspace ONE Benefits

Some of the benefits of using VMware Workspace ONE include:

Less IT intervention necessary: Because VMware Workspace ONE has simple app authentication, end-users can help themselves by selecting the applications they need rather than having IT intervene.
Smoother employee onboarding: Transform employee onboarding by enabling self-service access to the apps your end-users need to complete their job duties.
Compliance: VMware Workspace ONE helps end-users reach compliance by using advanced device restrictions.
Real-time visibility: You can have real-time visibility with application, device, and console events that provide detailed information for system monitoring. You can also view logs in the console or export pre-defined reports.

Workspace ONE Components

Workspace ONE Access
Workspace ONE UEM
VMware Workspace ONE® Intelligence
VMware Unified Access Gateway
Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub

Reviews from Real Users

Below is some feedback from our PeerSpot users who are currently using the solution:

PeerSpot user Patrick B., Cybersecurity Architect at a tech services company, says, "Its UI is extremely easy to use whether you're an advanced user or a novice user. When I first opened it up and had to learn the product, I was easily a novice. By the end of the third month, I was digging into the backend of the system and using it as a highly advanced user to accomplish what I needed to accomplish, and I was able to do it through the UI mostly."

Roshan T., Partner Manager North America at a tech company, mentions how satisfied he is with the product, saying, "You can put all your applications on a mobile device, be it a phone or tablet. It is secure and easy to use. Because it is centrally managed, you don't have to do any configuration on the phone. I just got the phone and connected to the central applications. I just downloaded one thing and everything got rolled out. Email, calendar, and other things were deployed centrally. If you don't have AirWatch, you have to configure your phone manually. For example, you need to deploy and configure your email manually and then synchronize everything. It is much simpler when a mobile device is centrally managed."

Omnissa

Sample Customers

Expedia, Intuit, Royal Dutch Shell, Brooks Brothers

Australian Sports Commission, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Lomond School, Merck, United Bank, Medical College of Wisconsin, Latymer Upper School, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Dowling Aaron Inc., Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Harrogate Grammar School, Duke University Football, Delta Air Lines, Adventist Health System, Giochi Preziosi, Cramlington Learning Village, Intermountain Healthcare, Safexpress, TAG Aviation

Buyer's Guide

AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM

March 2025

Free Report: AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM

Find out what your peers are saying about AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.

DOWNLOAD NOW

848,207 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our AWS Directory Service vs. Workspace ONE UEM report.

See our list of best Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) vendors.

We monitor all Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.