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Universal Directory vs Active Directory
Universal Directory (UD) and Active Directory (AD) are both directory services that act as a central repository for storing and managing user identities, roles, groups, and access privileges. They are critical components of an organization's Identity and Access Management (IAM) system.
Universal Directory vs Active Directory
Active Directory, developed by Microsoft, is a well-embedded technology in many organizations, primarily used to manage user access within a Windows network environment. On the other hand, Universal Directory, which is a part of the Okta platform, is a cloud-based directory service that can accommodate a broader range of user identity attributes and can interoperate with various systems and applications via APIs.
Why Universal Directory Exists and Who Needs It
The advent of cloud computing and SaaS applications brought challenges in managing user identities and access across numerous systems beyond what AD was designed for. Universal Directory emerged to answer this need, enabling organizations to unify all their user and group data in one place, regardless of the source or application. It is particularly beneficial for companies that use a variety of cloud-based services, need simplified permission management, and seek to enhance their cybersecurity by streamlining their IAM process.
How Universal Directory is Used
Universal Directory is often used as a central identity source for implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple applications, provisioning users, and managing fine-grained access control. It can also be used to provide temporary access, to enforce the least privilege access principle, and to automate user lifecycle management. This makes it a versatile tool fitting different contexts, ranging from employing DevOps practices to incorporating cloud-based infrastructure.
How Common is Universal Directory
Given the increasing adoption of cloud services and the need for efficient and secure IAM, the use of solutions like Universal Directory is becoming more common. While Active Directory dominates in traditional and Windows-centric environments, Universal Directory offers a nimble, scalable solution fitted for the dynamic nature and interoperability demands of modern IT landscapes. It is especially popular among organizations that have embraced digital transformation and pursue a more holistic, cloud-first approach to their IT strategy.
