

Find out in this report how the two Active Directory Management solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
I have seen over 30% return on investment due to the improvement in operational efficiencies through automation, which enhances productivity.
The solution is really time-saving since I don't need to create users in each server or system manually, and user access control is streamlined.
They resolved the problem immediately after I reported it, on the same day, within one hour.
They respond immediately when requests are raised, and they are always available for priority one tickets.
I received prompt responses and support, which I would rate as very good.
Support documents are available on the internet in every language.
If you purchase retail, the support will be more difficult because they will assess the priority or rating from the customer.
Sometimes support takes long to engage and resolve, extending over weeks or even months.
We can use it on different phones and computers, demonstrating its scalability.
When delving deep into the concepts, there is a lot to address and learn, especially when facing real-time scenarios.
You can scale it out pretty easily, and you can implement it very small.
Microsoft Active Directory scales effectively; I don't foresee any issues with that at all.
We no longer have our data infiltrated by unauthorized persons, and tracking actions within the system has become very easy.
When you have it in the cloud, you have CyberArk every time you need it.
With a stable network, due to the redundant data centers across the globe, it is a lot easier to use as a SaaS solution.
If you meet the installation requirements from Microsoft, it will be very stable.
With multiple domain controllers, stability is ensured.
I've been working with Microsoft Active Directory for over 3 years, and we've had no problems.
It would be helpful if they released a generalized document for processes such as migration.
Integration or deployment is extremely difficult for CyberArk Identity.
There's a need to enhance network performance.
Exporting and verifying group memberships require command line scripts, which isn't simple.
There are some features that need improvements in terms of ease of use and frequency of updates.
Sometimes, it can be overly complicated, and when you apply Group Policy in an Active Directory environment, sometimes those settings apply and sometimes they don't.
Regarding pricing, it can be quite a lot for small companies.
The pricing is acceptable.
If I am not going fully cloud, there are additional resources I will need to purchase, such as spinning more VMs or acquiring an HSM device to encrypt the vault.
For the cloud solution in our region, the pricing of Microsoft Active Directory is very high.
I consider Microsoft Active Directory expensive because if you buy this thing bundled with the Windows Directory Server, you get five user licenses for about a thousand euros, or a little bit less than this.
The pricing, setup cost, and licensing with Microsoft Active Directory is straightforward; you just buy the server and then have to buy the user CALs.
It impacts zero trust security strategies. It prevents lateral movements in the organization.
The two-factor authentication is very important, but the fact that every account is being regenerated every time we use it is the most important security feature for us.
It is the most powerful access management system.
To assess the impact of Microsoft Active Directory's centralized domain management on security protocols and access permissions, Microsoft Active Directory itself has constraints with security because when we have a solution such as SSO or Single Sign-On, which makes it easier for users to log in, some parts have security openings.
One valuable feature is the centralized creation of IDs.
I can control all the devices in my domain by just changing the group policies in one place.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Active Directory | 6.2% |
| CyberArk Identity | 2.5% |
| Other | 91.3% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 20 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 10 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 21 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 7 |
| Large Enterprise | 20 |
CyberArk Identity is a versatile identity management solution suitable for a wide range of enterprises. It is designed to enhance enterprise security and improve user experience. Its focus on security, compliance, and operational efficiency, combined with positive user feedback, makes it a strong contender in the identity management space.
CyberArk Identity offers a robust suite of features to manage user identities and access privileges. It focuses on securing access to resources across various environments, including cloud and on-premises applications. Its capabilities include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), lifecycle management, and privileged access management. These features are engineered to streamline access control, enhance security, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
According to our user interviews, CyberArk Identity is praised for its reliability and user-friendly interface. IT professionals highlight the ease of integration with existing systems, while business executives appreciate the visibility it provides into access and identity management across the organization. Users also commend the responsive customer support, which is crucial for enterprise-level solutions.
IT Professionals found that CyberArk Identity's focus on multi-layered security significantly reduced the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. With a centralized dashboard and automation features, you can streamline identity and access management tasks, saving time and reducing complexity. Finally, it helps meet various compliance requirements.
Microsoft Active Directory enables centralized management of user identities and permissions, integrating seamlessly with cloud services via Azure AD Connect. Its support for hybrid environments makes it essential for businesses looking to manage authentication, authorization, and access control efficiently.
Active Directory offers a robust framework for network and identity management, focusing on scalability and ease of use. Its integration with Single Sign-On enhances user convenience by synchronizing login credentials across cloud and on-premises applications. While it efficiently manages security protocols, scalability, and third-party application integration, users note areas for improvement like better reporting capabilities, a modernized interface, improved synchronization between on-prem and cloud setups, and streamlined configurations.
What are the essential features of Microsoft Active Directory?In industries like finance and healthcare, Active Directory is implemented to manage sensitive data access and user authentication across complex networks. Retailers rely on its scalability for managing vast customer and product datasets, while educational institutions utilize its centralized management features to efficiently administer student and faculty permissions across multiple applications and platforms.
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