Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a secure directory for your organisation’s usernames, credentials and permissions. It enables your employees to sign in and access resources held internally, on an intranet for example, or externally, on Office 365 or other apps.
As a cloud-based system, employees gain quick, easy and secure access to work resources from anywhere, on any device. The system is secure, fast, reliable, scalable and easy to use.
So, should you choose Azure AD for your business? Here are the benefits.
One location
Azure AD provides one place to manage user identities and permissions. This provides greater control and creates efficiencies.
Cloud or hybrid
Azure AD can be run on the cloud only, or operate in a hybrid mode by syncing with an on-premises directory via Azure AD Connect. Users can connect to their data anytime, from anywhere, using any device.
Business continuity
As a cloud-based or hybrid solution, Azure AD protects you from:
- Power outages
- Internet outages
- Natural disasters affecting your data (flood, fire, earthquake)
This gives you peace of mind that your data will always be accessible and protected.
Single sign-on
Single sign-on enables users to sign in just once to access all their applications without needing to authenticate again. They have one single user account, hosted by Azure AD, which gives them secure access to everything. This includes third party applications.
Security
Azure AD provides a central location from which to manage identities and compliance controls for your organisation, improving security. By utilising Azure AD, you can assess and mitigate security threats such as via two-factor authentication.
Collaboration
You can invite external guests to your directory and give them permissions to access certain documents. This is particularly useful for partners or contractors who aren’t a part of your organisation.
Cost effectiveness
As a cloud or hybrid solution, you can convert the capital expense of on-premises infrastructure to an operational expense, giving you a tax benefit each month.
Access
If you’re using Office 365, you will automatically have access to Azure AD and its free features including group management, synchronisation with your on-premises directory, self-service password reset, basic reporting capabilities and single sign-on. Should you need more advanced options there are flexible licensing options or pay as you go options which are specifically tailored to your needs.
By working with a partner, like IT&T, you will be provided with a managed cloud solution for Azure AD. We can help you deploy Azure and customise a complete solution that best works for you.
To leverage Azure AD for your business, get in touch with us today.
