What's in name? Can't find Azure AD...

LeewardCloud.io is committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in cloud technology and SaaS applications. A significant update from Microsoft is the renaming of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to Microsoft Entra ID. This change, effective from August 15, 2023, is more than just a rebranding; it’s a strategic move towards a more integrated and versatile cloud identity service.

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” - Shakespeare

Reasons Behind the Name Change

1. Multi-Cloud and Multiplatform Functionality: The new name, Microsoft Entra ID, reflects the product's capability to operate across various cloud environments and platforms, not just limited to Azure.

2. Differentiation from Windows Server Active Directory: To reduce confusion with Windows Server Active Directory, a distinct service, the rebranding clarifies their separate identities and purposes.

3. Unification of Microsoft Entra Product Family: Microsoft Entra ID joins a family of identity and access management solutions, signaling a broader focus on security and accessibility in cloud services.

Impact on Current Users

• No Service Interruption: Users of Azure AD will experience no disruption in service. Existing deployments and integrations will continue to function as normal.

• Consistent Access and Features: All features, capabilities, licensing, SLAs, certifications, support, and pricing remain unchanged.

• Unaltered URLs and APIs: Login URLs, APIs, PowerShell cmdlets, and Microsoft Authentication Libraries (MSAL) are unaffected to ensure a seamless transition.

• Service Plan Name Changes: Effective October 1, 2023, service plan names have been updated to align with the Microsoft Entra ID branding.

Naming Changes and Exceptions

• Product Name: Azure AD is now Microsoft Entra ID.

• Icons and Branding: All Azure AD icons have been replaced with the Microsoft Entra ID icon.

• Feature Rebranding: Features like Azure AD Conditional Access and single sign-on are now branded under Microsoft Entra.

• Unchanged Terms: Certain terminologies like Active Directory and Azure AD B2C remain the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why the Change?: The renaming aligns with Microsoft's vision of providing a simplified and secure access experience across multiple clouds and platforms.

• What is Microsoft Entra?: Microsoft Entra encompasses a suite of identity and network access solutions, expanding beyond traditional Azure AD capabilities.

• Management of Microsoft Entra ID: Management can be done through the Microsoft Entra admin center or the Azure portal.

• Impact on Microsoft 365 and Azure Subscriptions: Microsoft Entra ID continues to be included in Microsoft 365 licensing plans with no change in identity features, pricing, or SLAs.

• Developer and DevOps Experiences: All developer tools and experiences, including PowerShell cmdlets, remain the same.

Conclusion

The transition from Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID marks a significant step in Microsoft’s journey to enhance cloud identity services. For LeewardCloud.io’s customers, this evolution promises a more integrated, secure, and versatile environment for managing cloud identities. We encourage you to embrace this change as we continue to support you in navigating the evolving cloud landscape.