Active Directory vs Azure Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is an on-premises service primarily for Windows networks, handling user/device management, authentication, and authorization within local networks.

Active Directory (Azure AD) is Microsoft's cloud-based service for identity and access management, offering authentication, single sign-on, and identity control for cloud and on-premises resources. Optimized for modern cloud environments, it seamlessly integrates with diverse services.

Differences between AD and AAD

[1] Identity Management:

Active Directory (AD): Manages users, groups, and resources within a local network environment.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Manages identities for cloud resources and bridges on-premises and cloud environments.

[2] Access Control:-

Active Directory (AD): Uses RBAC for on-premises access rights.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Utilizes RBAC and federation for seamless cross-domain resource access.

[3] Security:-

Active Directory (AD): Detect irregular sign-ins and offer MFA.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Detect irregular sign-ins and offer MFA as well as adds Conditional Access for fine-tuned resource control.

[4] Integrations:

Active Directory (AD):? Integrates with on-premises apps and resources.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): Integrates with cloud-based SaaS apps, extends to Azure AD.