Microsoft Active Directory vs Microsoft Entra ID comparison

Active Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. Active Directory uses a structured data store as the basis for a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information.

This data store, also known as the directory, contains information about Active Directory objects. These objects typically include shared resources such as servers, volumes, printers, and the network user and computer accounts.

Security is integrated with Active Directory through logon authentication and access control to objects in the directory. With a single network logon, administrators can manage directory data and organization throughout their network, and authorized network users can access resources anywhere on the network. Policy-based administration eases the management of even the most complex network.

Microsoft Entra ID is used for extending on-premises Active Directory to the cloud, managing application access, enabling multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on. It facilitates policy enforcement and secure access, ensuring centralized identity management across cloud and on-premises resources.

Organizations utilize Microsoft Entra ID for robust user and group management, identity synchronization, and conditional access. Its seamless integration with third-party apps, scalability, and support for remote work make it a preferred choice. The admin center streamlines identity and access tasks, enhancing efficiency and security with features like privileged identity management and audit logs.

• Single Sign-On: Simplifies user access to multiple applications with one login.
• Multifactor Authentication: Enhances security by requiring additional verification.
• Conditional Access: Establishes policies that determine how users' access cloud apps.
• Integration: Easily integrates with various third-party applications.
• User Identity Protection: Safeguards user identities from threats.
• Privileged Identity Management: Manages elevated access to sensitive resources.
• Audit Logs: Provides thorough activity logs for oversight and compliance.

• Enhanced Security: Offers strong multifactor authentication and identity protection.
• Administrative Efficiency: Simplifies identity and access management tasks.
• Scalability: Supports growing user bases and remote work environments.
• Integration Capabilities: Compatible with numerous third-party applications.
• User-Friendly Interface: Makes managing user identities straightforward.

Microsoft Entra ID implementation varies across industries. Tech firms leverage it for secure, scalable access management, while healthcare organizations utilize its identity protection features to safeguard patient data. Educational institutions adopt Entra ID for streamlined user management and policy enforcement, ensuring secure access for students and staff across on-premises and cloud resources.