Comparing Windows AD Domain Services and Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID is the next evolution of identity and access management solutions for the cloud. Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) give organizations the ability to manage multiple on-premises infrastructure components and systems using a single identity per user.

Microsoft Entra ID takes this approach to the next level by providing organizations with an Identity as a Service (IDaaS) solution for all their apps across cloud and on-premises.

Most IT administrators are familiar with Active Directory Domain Services concepts. The following table outlines the differences and similarities between Active Directory concepts and Microsoft Entra ID.

Note: The table mentioned in the original text was not provided. A conceptual comparison is below.

Key Differences

• Environment: AD DS is primarily for on-premises environments, managing local servers, computers, and users. Entra ID is cloud-native, designed for managing access to cloud services (like Microsoft 365, Azure, SaaS apps) and can extend to on-premises resources via hybrid configurations.
• Architecture: AD DS uses domains, forests, Organizational Units (OUs), and Group Policy Objects (GPOs). Entra ID uses a flat tenant structure with users, groups, and relies heavily on protocols like SAML, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and policies like Conditional Access.
• Protocols: AD DS primarily uses Kerberos and LDAP for authentication and authorization within the local network. Entra ID uses modern web-based authentication protocols.
• Management: AD DS is managed via tools like Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC), Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). Entra ID is managed via web portals (Azure portal, Entra admin center) and APIs (like Microsoft Graph).
• Service Model: AD DS requires managing domain controllers (servers). Entra ID is an IDaaS, managed by Microsoft.

Key Similarities (Conceptual)

• Identity Provisioning: Both manage user identities, groups, and credentials.
• Authentication & Authorization: Both provide mechanisms to verify user identity and control access to resources.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Both aim to provide users with a single identity to access multiple resources (though the scope and methods differ).
• Directory Services: Both act as a central directory for identity information.

Entra ID is not simply “AD in the cloud”; it’s a modern identity platform built for cloud and hybrid scenarios, while AD DS remains the cornerstone for managing traditional on-premises Windows environments. Many organizations use both in a hybrid identity setup.