Active Directory Connector 

What is an Active Directory Connector?

An Active Directory Connector (ADC) is a software component or service that enables the synchronization of data between Microsoft Active Directory (AD) and other systems, such as:

  • Cloud identity providers (e.g., Azure AD, Okta, Google Workspace)
  • LDAP-compliant directories (e.g., Open LDAP)
  • HR systems or databases
  • Email systems (e.g., Exchange, Google Workspace)

Core Functions

An Active Directory Connector typically performs the following functions:

  1. Synchronization
    • Syncs user accounts, passwords, groups, organizational units (OUs), and contact information between AD and other directories or services.
    • Can be one-way (AD → target system) or bi-directional (AD ⇆ target system).
  2. Provisioning/Deprovisioning
    • Automatically creates user accounts in the target system when new accounts are added in AD.
    • Deactivates or deletes accounts when they’re removed or disabled in AD.
  3. Attribute Mapping
    • Maps AD attributes (e.g.,sAMAccountName, mail, department) to the equivalent fields in the target system.
  4. Conflict Resolution & Filtering
    • Manages conflicts (e.g., duplicate entries) and allows administrators to define which objects or OUs to sync.
  5. Password Sync (Optional)
    • Keeps user passwords synchronized securely between AD and the other system.

Common Tools That Include ADC Functionality-

  • Azure AD Connect (Microsoft) – For syncing on-premises AD with Azure Active Directory.
  • Okta Universal Directory Connector – For syncing AD to Okta’s identity cloud.
  • Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) – Syncs AD with Google Workspace.
  • JumpCloud AD Bridge – For extending AD to cloud-based systems.
  • OneLogin Active Directory Connector – For user lifecycle management from AD to cloud services.

Use Cases-

  • Hybrid Identity Management – Integrating on-prem AD with cloud services for single sign-on (SSO) and centralized identity.
  • Cloud Migration – Syncing AD to cloud identity services during migration from legacy infrastructure.
  • Security and Compliance – Ensuring user identity data is up to date and consistent across systems for audit and policy enforcement.
  • HR Integration – Automatically provisioning/deprovisioning accounts based on data from HR systems.

Benefits-

  • Consistency: Keeps identity data accurate across multiple systems.
  • Automation: Reduces manual work and errors in managing accounts.
  • Security: Ensures timely account deactivation and role changes.
  • Scalability: Supports growth into hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
  • Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements for identity management.
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