Azure AD vs On-Premises AD: Understanding the Differences
A zure AD and on-premises AD (Active Directory) are both directory services offered by Microsoft, but there are some key differences between them. On-premises AD is a traditional, Windows-based directory service that is typically used within an organization's own data center or on-premises infrastructure. It manages access to local resources such as servers, workstations, printers, and other devices within the organization. It stores user and computer accounts, group policy objects, and other information needed to authenticate and authorize users and devices. Azure AD, on the other hand, is a cloud-based directory service that is designed to provide identity and access management for cloud-based applications and resources. It provides authentication and authorization services for cloud-based applications, as well as integration with other Microsoft cloud services like Office 365 and Azure. Azure AD is also designed to support hybrid scenarios, where some resources are located on-p...