Icon source: AWSAWS 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.
Simple AD will no longer be open to new customers starting July 30, 2026.
AWS Managed Microsoft AD offers Standard, Enterprise, and Hybrid editions. Standard and Enterprise create new managed AD domains and can establish resource forests with trusts to existing domains. Hybrid Edition instead extends an existing AD domain into AWS, with managed domain controllers belonging to the existing forest and replicating its AD data.
Enterprise Edition supports multi-region replication, allowing a single managed directory to serve workloads across multiple AWS Regions.
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.
AD Connector provides another option for joining cloud workloads to an existing Active Directory through seamless domain join.
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.
Amazon QuickSight
Amazon EC2
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AWS IAM Identity Center (AWS Single Sign-On)
Amazon WorkSpaces