AWS Directory Service
Managed Microsoft Active Directory in the AWS Cloud.
Overview
AWS Directory Service provides multiple ways to use Microsoft Active Directory (AD) with other AWS services. You can use it to run a fully managed, native Microsoft AD in the AWS cloud, connect to your existing on-premises AD, or deploy a simple AD-compatible directory.
✨ Key Features
- AWS Managed Microsoft AD: A fully managed Active Directory hosted on AWS.
- AD Connector: A proxy to redirect directory requests to your on-premises AD.
- Simple AD: A standalone, managed directory powered by Samba 4.
- Integration with AWS services like Amazon RDS, EC2, and WorkSpaces.
- Group Policy Object (GPO) support.
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Multiple directory options to fit different use cases (managed, connector, simple)
- Deep integration with AD-dependent AWS services like RDS and FSx
- Fully managed service, reducing operational overhead
Unique Value: Enables organizations to use their existing Active Directory identities and infrastructure with the AWS cloud, simplifying migration and management.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Joining EC2 Windows instances to a domain for centralized management
- Using Windows Integrated Authentication with Amazon RDS for SQL Server
- Providing a cloud-based Active Directory for a remote workforce using Amazon WorkSpaces
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Simple web application user login (better suited for Amazon Cognito or IAM Identity Center)
🏆 Alternatives
Offers more flexibility than competitors with its three distinct options (Managed AD, AD Connector, Simple AD), allowing customers to choose the best fit for their hybrid or cloud-native architecture.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Live Chat
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Business, Enterprise tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
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