Active Directory\u00ae<\/sup> (AD) has been designated a legacy product by Microsoft\u00ae\u2019<\/sup> that must be modernized<\/a> to strengthen access control for all assets and manage every endpoint. AD is \u201cbaked in\u201d the IT infrastructures of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and it can\u2019t be disregarded. Microsoft prescribes a path but its vertically integrated tools and services can be a mismatch for SMEs that would struggle to implement and support that architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JumpCloud is another option to consider. It provides SMEs with IT efficiency and a single pane of glass to secure access to every resource, cross-OS device management, patch management, and more. There are multiple deployment models for AD integration. JumpCloud can do this without taking control away from AD, while providing a migration path to a cloud-first strategy with capabilities that mirror Microsoft\u2019s guidance for rapid modernization<\/a>. JumpCloud\u2019s open directory connects you to every resource with the flexibility to adopt best-of-breed services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JumpCloud is a leading cloud directory service, according to G2 Crowd<\/a>, and pairs well with AD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Active Directory has been the leading legacy on-premises directory services solution for decades. It worked best on-prem and with Windows\u00ae<\/sup>-based environments where user access for Windows-based workplace infrastructure could be managed through one console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s workplaces have collections of assets in many locations, use cloud services, and maintain diverse device types. Standalone AD can\u2019t handle those new challenges, but even more significantly, its architecture can\u2019t provide Zero Trust<\/a> security controls like conditional access<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft has responded by replacing AD\u2019s enterprise access model<\/a> with a hybrid cloud configuration that relies on a patchwork of its cloud services to enhance and harden AD. This approach to modernization can be good for some large organizations that can support it all, but it can limit freedom of choice and its complexity can distract from your overall mission. Fortunately, it\u2019s not the only solution that can modernize AD and secure your resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cloud identities and conditional access are central to Microsoft\u2019s new model. Image credit: Microsoft<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
JumpCloud\u2019s all-in-one solution also extends AD identities to the cloud. Its identity and access management (IAM) platform features Zero Trust controls like conditional access, environment-wide multi-factor authentication<\/a>, and a phishing-resistant credential<\/a>. Its modern approach to access control and authentication works across standard web protocols (OIDC, SAML) as well as integrating cloud LDAP and RADIUS to secure your network devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unified endpoint management<\/a> (UEM) is built into JumpCloud in order to manage AD users, no matter where they\u2019re located, or which device they\u2019re using. That, in turn, safeguards your assets. JumpCloud also increases IT efficiency with automations and workflows<\/a> for device and identity lifecycles and rapid user onboarding. More options include patch management<\/a>, a password manager<\/a> and vault, and remote access tools<\/a> for troubleshooting your fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n