Migrating to Entra ID (Previously, Azure AD) – The Modern Approach
Matthew Tinney
A Focused, Compassionate Visionary, Father of Twin Boys. We help Information Technology engineering teams solve for problems they don't have the DNA to solve because they don't have the people, technology or process.
In 2024, organizations are increasingly looking to modernize their identity and device management strategies. They are doing so by transitioning from on-premises Active Directory (AD) to Entra ID (Previously called Azure Active Directory (AAD)).
This move allows them to utilize a more efficient, cost-effective, and cyber-secure way to manage users, devices, and applications using the cloud.
Microsoft provides several platform options for integrating with Entra ID. Depending on your organizational needs, each approach has its benefits.
Some common approaches for integrating with Entra ID (Azure AD)
Each option has different advantages and challenges, but for many, the hybrid approach is a practical first step toward leveraging cloud services without having to eliminate their on-prem infrastructure.
The Move Toward Cloud-Only Identity Management
Businesses are now migrating to fully cloud-based identity management, aspiring to eliminate the need for on-prem domain controllers. This cloud-only approach offers top-class security benefits and cost savings to organizations no longer tied to legacy infrastructure.
Third-party Cloud Directory services are undoubtedly a good option for many. Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem is here to offer proper seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure services. That is why Microsoft services have now become the preferred choice for many modern organizations.
In fact, with cloud-native solutions like Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) and Windows Autopilot, device management has become much simpler yet scalable.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Security and Risk Management in a Cloud-First World
Security is a top concern nowadays, especially for organizations lacking the resources to secure on-prem infrastructure like domain controllers.
Transitioning to AAD provides inherent security benefits such as:
These features make cloud-native identity solutions more secure than traditional AD environments. However, this approach often requires significant resources to secure on-prem hardware.
AD Versus AAD: Understanding the Difference
No doubt, both AD & Entra ID offer similar purposes in identity management. But it’s essential to recognize the following key differences.
Entra ID is not a direct replacement for traditional AD but rather a different system built for modern cloud environments.