Updated: July 15, 2020 (November 7, 2016)

Microsoft-Hosted Identity Infrastructure

Wes Miller analyzes and writes about Microsoft’s security, identity management, and systems management technologies. Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Wes... more

A range of Microsoft-hosted components can provide identity-related services. Azure Active Directory (AAD) provides the centerpiece of Microsoft’s hosted identity strategy for Microsoft-hosted and third-party applications.

AAD can stand alone, but most organizations will synchronize on-premises AD Domain Services (AD DS) identities with AAD.

Feature	Description	Motivating Driver for Organization	Requirements
AAD	The central identity component of Microsoft-hosted services. Available in free tier, AAD Basic tier, and AAD Premium tier.	Using Office 365, Intune, Azure, Dynamics, or any other service based on AAD.	Tiered levels based on functions used and number of applications; AAD Basic and AAD Premium tiers require a User Subscription License (User SL).
AAD B2B	Service that federates an organization’s AAD with accounts from other organizations, including Microsoft.	Enable users in a third-party organization to connect to AAD-integrated

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