In the dynamic world of technology, change is the only constant. Microsoft, an industry leader, is known for its constant innovation. The most recent change in the company’s lineup is rebranding Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to Microsoft Entra ID. This move is a shift in the company’s direction and, as with any change, has sparked questions and speculation. This blog post explores this change, its reasons, and what we can expect from Microsoft Entra ID.
Microsoft’s Name Change Game: Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft has always had a flair for naming its products uniquely yet simplistically. Azure AD, the cloud-based identity and access management service, is now being rebranded as Microsoft Entra ID. This change is not just about a new name; it’s also about Microsoft’s vision for the future of its identity services. They want the name to reflect the product’s purpose and function. Azure AD has been a significant player in the Microsoft ecosystem, providing seamless access control and identity protection across various applications and services.
The change from Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID is not a decision taken lightly. It represents a strategic shift in Microsoft’s identity services space. As Microsoft continues to make strides in the cloud computing, they have decided that rebranding Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID will better align with their future roadmap. This shift also comes with an expanded vision for the product to provide a more secure and efficient identity management solution for Microsoft’s users.
Why is Microsoft changing the name of Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID?
Microsoft’s decision to rebrand Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID seems to stem from a desire to make the product’s function more evident in its name. Azure AD is often mistaken for a directory service in the cloud, which it is not. It is an identity and access management service. The new name, Microsoft Entra ID, is meant to reflect this better. Entra, derived from ‘entrance,’ and ID, short for ‘identity,’ gets straight to the point – it’s all about managing identities and access.
Moreover, Microsoft is also looking to restrict its identity services from Azure. Despite the name, Azure AD isn’t tied solely to Microsoft Azure but is used across many Microsoft services. The name change to Microsoft Entra ID is intended to remove this confusion and highlight that the service is a standalone product that functions across all Microsoft services, not just Azure.
Unveiling Microsoft Entra ID: What to expect from Microsoft’s rebranding
With the unveiling of Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft is introducing a more intuitive, efficient, and secure identity management service. Microsoft promises that this rebranding comes with enhancements that will provide a seamless experience to its users. Microsoft Entra ID’s primary goal remains the same as Azure AD’s: to provide secure and reliable access control over various applications and services.
In addition, Microsoft is also planning to introduce new features and improvements in Microsoft Entra ID. While the details are still under wraps, we can expect a more streamlined identity management service designed to meet the changing needs of businesses and individuals. The essence of the tool remains the same, but with a fresh look, a clearer purpose, and hopefully, a more powerful punch.
Microsoft’s rebranding of Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID represents an evolution in its identity and access management services. This change, whilst initially seeming simply cosmetic, is a strategic move that aligns with Microsoft’s vision for the future of its identity services. While change can sometimes be daunting, this shift from Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID is much more than a mere name change. It is a promise of a better, more efficient, and more streamlined service that aims to meet the changing demands of identity management in the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing. As I dive more into Entra ID and understand its roadmap, I will publish an updated post.
Until next time,
Rob