A directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks.
Description
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service created by Microsoft for managing computers and other devices on a network. It enables administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources securely. Active Directory acts as a centralized database that stores information about users, computers, and other resources, allowing for efficient management and organization. In the context of Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols, AD plays a crucial role by enabling users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications and services without needing to authenticate separately for each one. This streamlines the user experience and enhances security by minimizing password fatigue and the associated risks. AD integrates with various SSO solutions, enabling organizations to improve user productivity and reduce IT maintenance overhead. Companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Google often incorporate Active Directory to facilitate user management and enable seamless access to cloud and on-premises resources.
Examples
- Microsoft Office 365 uses Active Directory for user authentication and access management.
- Salesforce can integrate with Active Directory to streamline user access and enhance security.
Additional Information
- Active Directory supports various authentication protocols, including Kerberos and NTLM.
- AD can be deployed in both on-premises environments and cloud-based solutions, such as Microsoft Azure.