Microsoft Entra ID: A Microsoft product suite pillar
Entra ID – formerly known as Azure Active Directory (AD) – is a cloud-based identity and access management solution that is crucial in the Microsoft 365 (M365) ecosystem.
Entra ID follows the same process from MS Windows Server platform for user controls and permissions as the old Active Directory/Domain controller, but with this server role on premise.
Rebranding Azure AD to Entra ID has simplified the management of various identity-related features across Microsoft’s portfolio (read our “Is Entra ID M365’s Great Unifier” blog post). Entra ID continues to evolve and provide secure, efficient identity and access management solutions as a mainstay in Microsoft’s product suite.
How can SMBs benefit from using Entra ID?
Small businesses can benefit from using Entra ID due to its robust capabilities that allow you to:
- Manage user identities and have access to resources on a centralized platform
- Simplify user onboarding/offboarding processes
- Enhance security with multifactor authentication (MFA) and identity protection and reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches
- Offer a seamless single sign-on (SSO) experience so employees can access multiple applications with one set of credentials
- Improve productivity and reduce password-related support requests
- Streamline collaboration and boost efficiency through integration with M365 and other tools
Entra ID Key Features
- Unified Identity Management: Entra ID brings together various identity management features under one roof, making it easier to manage users, permissions, and access across Microsoft 365
- Multifactor Authentication: Enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access
- Password Management: Centralizes password policies and self-service password reset capabilities
- Conditional Access: Implements policies that grant or block access based on conditions like user location, device state, and risk level
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows users to access multiple applications with one set of credentials
- Integration with Microsoft Intune: Manages mobile devices (PCs, notebooks, tablets) and applications, ensuring secure access to corporate resources
Significance of the Change
- Simplification: By unifying various identity and access management features, Entra ID reduces complexity and makes administration more straightforward
- Enhanced Security: The integration of advanced security features like MFA and Conditional Access helps protect against identity-related threats
- Improved User Experience: Features like SSO and centralized password management enhance the user experience by reducing the need to remember multiple passwords and simplifying access to resources
Microsoft’s rebranding and unification effort aims to streamline identity management and improve security across its services, making it a significant change for administrators and users alike.
If you have any Entra ID questions or want to learn more about its features, reach out today!
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