Last week, Microsoft made an announcement regarding the renaming of Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. This decision was driven by the company’s desire to unify the Microsoft Entra product family.
Back in May 2022, Microsoft introduced the Entra suite, which initially consisted of three products: Azure AD, Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, and Microsoft Entra Verified ID. Subsequently, Microsoft Entra Governance and Microsoft Entra Workload ID were added to this product family. By renaming Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID, the company aims to streamline and simplify the product naming process. In this article, we will delve into the details of these product names and provide you with the essential information you need to know.
What is Microsoft Entra?
Microsoft Entra offers comprehensive identity protection and network access security solutions across various environments. At its core is Microsoft Entra ID (formerly known as Azure AD), a powerful tool that efficiently manages and safeguards users, applications, workloads, and devices. This forms the foundation of the broader Entra Family, which comprises several other essential products:
1. Microsoft Entra ID Governance: This product enables businesses to protect, monitor, and audit access to critical assets, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.
2. Microsoft Entra External ID: With this solution, organizations can extend secure access to their customers and partners, ensuring a seamless and protected user experience when using any application.
3. Microsoft Entra Verified ID: Designed to adhere to open standards, this product facilitates the issuance and verification of identity credentials, enhancing security and trust in digital interactions.
4. Microsoft Entra Permissions Management: Managing identity permissions across a multi-cloud infrastructure becomes effortless with this tool, promoting a robust and controlled access system.
5. Microsoft Entra Workload ID: This product assists applications and services in securely accessing cloud resources, minimizing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring data integrity.
6. Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Offering secure access to the internet, software as a service, and Microsoft 365 apps, this solution safeguards users and data from potential threats.
7. Microsoft Entra Private Access: Facilitating secure connections to private apps from anywhere, this product empowers users to work efficiently without compromising security.
8. By incorporating these powerful solutions into the Entra Family, Microsoft Entra empowers businesses with a comprehensive suite of tools to protect identities and ensure secure network access across diverse environments. These products collectively reinforce Microsoft’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the ever-evolving challenges in the digital landscape.
It’s just the name that’s changing.
Only the name Azure AD is going away. Capabilities remain the same. All the functionalities of the product will continue to be fully accessible without any changes. Licensing, terms, service-level agreements, product certifications, support, and pricing will remain unaffected.
On October 1, 2023, there will be a change in the display names of the service plans. Standalone offers will now be known as Microsoft Entra ID Free, Microsoft Entra ID P1, and Microsoft Entra ID P2, while retaining all the existing capabilities included in the current Azure AD plans.
Moreover, Microsoft Entra ID, formerly recognised as Azure AD, will remain an integral part of Microsoft 365 licensing plans, including Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.
What’s not changing?
Certain product names will undergo changes, while others will either be replaced by different products, reach their end of life, or retain their current names:
- Azure AD admin centre – This product will be deprecated in 2023.
- Azure AD Authentication Library (ADAL) – This product will reach its end of life and be replaced by Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL).
- Azure AD B2C – It will be replaced by Microsoft Entra External ID.
- Azure AD Graph – This product will reach its end of life and be replaced by Microsoft Graph.
- Azure AD PowerShell – It will be deprecated in June 2023.
- Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) – The name of this product will remain unchanged.
- Microsoft identity platform – The name of this product will remain unchanged.
- Microsoft Authentication Library – The name of this product will remain unchanged.
These changes and replacements signify Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its product lineup, offering improved features, and ensuring a seamless user experience for its customers.
What’s the timeline for name changes?
The Microsoft Entra Admin Centre has been available for a considerable period, offering a centralised platform accessible through entra.microsoft.com. This user-friendly admin centre enables seamless management of identities, encompassing users, groups, devices, and applications. Presently, users can still opt to use Azure AD alongside the new Microsoft Entra Admin Centre.
Starting from August 2023, the new name, Microsoft Entra ID, will gradually replace Azure AD across all Microsoft products. This name change will be integrated throughout the Microsoft 365 suite. Microsoft is diligently working to ensure a smooth transition, and they anticipate completing the name change process by the end of 2023.
To conclude…
Microsoft’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enhancing the user experience remains steadfast. It’s essential to remember that while the name Azure AD is changing, the capabilities and functionality that we have come to rely on remain unwavering. Microsoft Entra ID will seamlessly carry forward all the robust features and capabilities we need.
On October 1, 2023, the service plan display names will evolve, introducing Microsoft Entra ID Free, Microsoft Entra ID P1, and Microsoft Entra ID P2. The core capabilities within these plans will continue to mirror those found in the current Azure AD offerings, ensuring a seamless transition for our valued customers.
We also want to emphasise that Microsoft Entra ID will continue to play a pivotal role within Microsoft 365 licensing plans, including Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5. This integration ensures that the power of Microsoft Entra ID is accessible to all who rely on these essential Microsoft solutions.
As we continue to evolve and innovate, the 848 Group, your Tier 1 Microsoft Solutions Partner, remains dedicated to providing you with exceptional solutions that drive your businesses forward. If you have any questions whilst we embrace this change then please get in touch.