AWS Directory Service


Microsoft Active Directory

  • Found on any Windows Server with AD Domain services
  • Database of objects:
    • User Accounts
    • Computers
    • Printers
    • File Shares
    • Security Groups
  • Centralized security management, create account, assign permissions
  • Objects are organized in trees
  • A group of trees is a forest

AWS Directory Services

  • AWS Managed Microsoft AD
    • Create own AD in AWS, manage users locally, supports MFA
    • Establish โ€œtrustโ€ connections with on-premise AD
  • AD Connector
    • Directory Gateway (proxy) to redirect to on-premise AD, supports MFA
    • Users are managed on the on-premise AD
  • Simple AD
    • AD-compatible managed directory on AWS
    • Cannot be joined with on-premise AD

References