Icon source: AWS
AWS Directory Service
Cloud Provider: AWS
What is AWS Directory Service
AWS Directory Service is a managed service provided by Amazon Web Services that allows users to connect AWS resources with an existing on-premises Microsoft Active Directory or to set up and operate a new, fully managed directory in the AWS Cloud.
AWS Directory Service is a managed service provided by Amazon Web Services that makes it easier for organizations to set up and operate a cloud-based directory. This scalable and highly available service offers a range of directory solutions that cater to different organizational needs, whether it's integrating AWS resources with an existing on-premises Microsoft Active Directory or setting up a new, standalone directory in the AWS Cloud.
At its core, AWS Directory Service aims to address the common challenge of managing user identities and permissions across a plethora of AWS services and resources. By leveraging this service, organizations can simplify the task of providing their users with secure access to AWS applications and services such as Amazon EC2 instances, Amazon S3 buckets, and AWS IAM Identity Center (Single Sign-On), among others. This integration is key to maintaining a seamless and secure environment where access controls are centrally managed, regardless of whether the resources are located on-premises or in the AWS cloud.
AWS Directory Service offers multiple directory types to suit specific use cases. For example, AWS Managed Microsoft AD allows organizations to utilize a highly available and scalable Microsoft Active Directory in the AWS Cloud. This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on Microsoft AD for identity management and want to extend their existing infrastructure into AWS without having to manage additional hardware or software. On the other hand, for those not requiring a full-fledged AD, AWS offers Simple AD, which is a cost-effective, Samba-based solution that provides essential directory services and supports basic AD features.
Another key aspect of AWS Directory Service is the ease with which it facilitates the integration of AWS resources with existing corporate directories. This allows organizations to maintain a single source of truth for user identities while leveraging the scalability and flexibility of the AWS Cloud. It also simplifies the process of migrating applications and services to AWS by ensuring that identity and access policies remain consistent.
AWS Directory Service enhances security by supporting various industry standards for data encryption and compliance requirements. It also integrates with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), allowing for granular control over who can access specific AWS services and resources.
Additionally, it supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), providing an extra layer of security for accessing directory services. In summary, AWS Directory Service is a comprehensive solution designed to simplify directory setup and management in the AWS Cloud.
By offering a range of directory types and seamless integration with AWS services, it enables organizations to maintain a secure, scalable, and efficient identity infrastructure. This proves invaluable for businesses looking to leverage the power of AWS without the hassle of managing complex directory environments, thereby allowing them to focus on their core operations and innovation.
Key AWS Directory Service Features
AWS Directory Service offers seamless integration with AWS services, flexible directory choices, a managed service for reduced administrative overhead, scalability, top-tier security and compliance features, and simplified administration tools and dashboards.
AWS Directory Service integrates flawlessly with various AWS services, enabling users to leverage AWS Security Token Service (STS) for identity federation, Amazon RDS for SQL Server for Windows Authentication, and AWS SSO for centralized access management, streamlining the management of resources and access across AWS.
It offers multiple directory types to suit different organizational needs, including AWS Managed Microsoft AD for Microsoft Active Directory environments, Simple AD for smaller scale needs, and AD Connector for connecting to an existing on-premises Microsoft Active Directory.
AWS Directory Service is a managed service, which means that AWS handles the maintenance, updates, and high availability of the directory infrastructure. This reduces the administrative burden on users and ensures that the directory services are always operational and up-to-date.
The service allows for easy scaling of directory resources to meet the needs of growing businesses. Users can quickly adjust directory sizes or types through the AWS Management Console, making it simpler to manage resource utilization and optimize costs.
AWS Directory Service provides robust security features including network security, encryption at rest and in transit, and detailed logging capabilities. It also supports compliance with industry standards, helping organizations meet their regulatory requirements.
With AWS Directory Service, the complexities of directory setup, configuration, and administration are significantly reduced. It offers easy-to-use management tools and dashboards within the AWS Management Console, simplifying the tasks of managing users, groups, and permissions.
AWS Directory Service Use Cases
AWS Directory Service facilitates secure access management by enabling SSO setup, managing Windows-based workloads, connecting to RDS for SQL Server, integrating with hybrid environments via Managed Microsoft AD, and securing access to Amazon EC2 instances.
AWS Directory Service allows organizations to enable Single Sign-On (SSO), letting users access AWS resources and applications using their existing corporate credentials. This simplifies user management and enhances security by consolidating identities and minimizing the need for multiple passwords.
Customers can manage Windows-based workloads on AWS securely and efficiently by integrating with AWS Directory Service. This provides native compatibility with Windows workloads, allowing for easy deployment and management of Windows servers and applications in the cloud.
AWS Directory Service enables organizations to connect Microsoft SQL Server instances running on Amazon RDS with their directory. This facilitates seamless authentication and management for users accessing the database, using their existing directory credentials.
For organizations operating in hybrid environments, AWS Directory Service offers AWS Managed Microsoft AD. This allows seamless integration between on-premises Microsoft Active Directory and cloud resources, enabling users to access resources across both environments using a single set of credentials.
By utilizing AWS Directory Service, organizations can streamline secure access to Amazon EC2 instances. It enables organizations to use their existing directory service to authenticate and authorize user access to EC2 instances, simplifying access management and enhancing security.
Services AWS Directory Service integrates with
Enables AD users to access QuickSight using their AD credentials.
Allows EC2 instances to be joined to the domain managed by AWS Directory Service.
Enables Windows authentication to databases using AWS Directory Service.
Allows you to use AD credentials to access AWS accounts and applications.
Uses AWS Directory Service to authenticate WorkSpaces and manage user access.
AWS Directory Service pricing models
AWS Directory Service pricing varies by service type (AWS Managed Microsoft AD, AD Connector, Simple AD) and includes charges based on size/edition and usage, with additional data transfer fees where applicable.