Connect
Updated on December 9, 2025
Microsoft Active Directory (AD) has been the default choice for identity management for over two decades. It worked well when work happened in an office and everyone used a Windows machine. The perimeter was defined by the firewall.
The modern IT landscape looks nothing like that environment. Workforces are remote or hybrid. Employees use macOS, Linux, and Windows devices interchangeably.
Critical applications have moved from on-premise servers to the cloud.
This shift has left IT admins managing legacy infrastructure that was not built for the cloud era. You are likely relying on band-aid solutions like VPNs or identity bridges to connect AD to modern resources. This adds complexity, cost, and security risks to your environment.
It is time to modernize. But moving away from AD is a significant architectural shift. You need to know exactly what to look for in a replacement to ensure you are future-proofing your organization.
Here is your checklist for evaluating a modern cloud directory.
1. Truly Cloud-Native Architecture
Many solutions claim to be cloud-based but are actually just legacy software hosted on someone else’s servers. This lift-and-shift approach does not solve the underlying problems of maintenance and scalability. You simply trade managing your own servers for paying to manage servers in the cloud.
A true cloud directory is delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). There should be no domain controllers to configure, patch, or replace.
The platform must handle availability, redundancy, and security updates automatically. This frees your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than hardware maintenance.
2. Comprehensive Mixed-OS Management
Active Directory was built for Windows. Managing macOS or Linux endpoints with AD usually requires third-party add-ons or complex workarounds. This often leads to unmanaged devices and shadow IT.
Your cloud directory must be platform-agnostic.
It needs to treat Windows, macOS, and Linux as first-class citizens. You should be able to execute commands, enforce policies, and manage patch levels across your entire fleet from a single console. Do not settle for a solution that treats non-Windows devices as an afterthought.
3. Protocol Independence
Legacy applications and modern SaaS tools speak different languages. AD relies heavily on Kerberos and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Modern cloud apps rely on SAML and OIDC.
A robust cloud directory acts as a multiprotocol translator. It must support a wide variety of authentication protocols natively.
Look for a solution that supports:
- LDAP for legacy applications and file servers.
- RADIUS for network authentication and VPNs.
- SAML 2.0 and OIDC for modern web applications.
This flexibility allows you to retire on-premise identity bridges. You can connect users to virtually any resource regardless of the protocol it requires.
4. Integrated Identity and Access Management
Identity and device management have historically been treated as separate disciplines. This separation creates security gaps and administrative friction. A modern approach unifies these functions.
Your directory should include embedded Single Sign-On (SSO).
Users should have one set of credentials to access their device, their applications, and the network. This establishes a Zero Trust security posture where trust is verified at the device and identity level before access is granted. It also significantly reduces password fatigue and help desk tickets related to lockouts.
5. Security and Compliance Features
The identity provider is your new perimeter. It must have robust security features built into the core of the platform. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is no longer optional.
The directory should offer native MFA that can be applied to device logins, application access, and administrative consoles.
You also need granular visibility into your environment for compliance. Whether you adhere to SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR, you need detailed event logging. Ensure the platform provides easy-to-search logs that track who accessed what resource and when.
Making the Move
Replacing Active Directory is not just about swapping out technology. It is about aligning your IT infrastructure with the reality of how your business operates today.
Legacy infrastructure restricts your agility and binds you to physical locations. A cloud directory liberates your workforce and centralizes your security.
JumpCloud delivers a unified open directory platform that enables secure, frictionless access to any resource. It combines identity, access, and device management into a single SaaS solution.
Learn more about how JumpCloud can help you modernize Active Directory and secure your users.
