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AWS Directory Service

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Company health

Employee growth
12% increase in the last year
Web traffic
3% decrease in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.1/5
(21)
Glassdoor
3.7/5
(206324)

AWS Directory Service description

AWS Directory Service lets you run Microsoft Active Directory in Amazon's cloud or connect your existing on-site Active Directory. This allows you to manage users and groups, enable single sign-on for applications, and control access to resources. It simplifies managing cloud-based Windows and Linux environments.


Who is AWS Directory Service best for

We find that AWS Directory Service is a solid choice for businesses seeking cloud-based user and device management. User reviews highlight its easy setup and integration with AWS, which simplifies tasks and reduces the need for on-premise servers. It's a cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes.

  • Great for SMBs to large enterprises (1-1000+ employees) seeking streamlined user/group management in the cloud.

  • Perfect for software, IT, and telecom industries, especially those needing secure, scalable directory solutions.


AWS Directory Service features

Supported

Simplified Workload Integration and Cloud Migration: Simplifies the integration of workloads and cloud migration process by offering different ways to manage your directory needs including AWS Managed Microsoft AD, AD Connector, and Simple AD.

Supported

Enhanced Security and Compliance: AWS Directory Service helps organizations enhance security and compliance posture with robust access controls, data encryption, and compliance certifications.

Supported

Scalability and Reliability: AWS Directory Service allows you to scale your directory infrastructure up or down based on your business needs, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance.

Supported

Fully Managed Microsoft AD: Provides a fully managed Microsoft Active Directory service that eliminates the complexity of setting up and maintaining domain controllers.

Supported

Native Microsoft Active Directory Experience: AWS offers native Microsoft Active Directory experience using Windows Server, providing flexibility and control over your directory environment.

Supported

Easy On-Premises AD Connection: This feature allows to easily connect your on-premises Active Directory to AWS, enabling seamless integration with your existing infrastructure.

Supported

Simplified EC2 Integration: AWS Directory Service simplifies the process of joining Amazon EC2 instances and other directory-aware workloads to a directory, which streamlines the deployment and integration of applications and services.


AWS Directory Service reviews

We've summarised 21 AWS Directory Service reviews (AWS Directory Service G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of AWS Directory Service
  • Easy setup and integration with AWS services.
  • Managed service, reducing the need for on-premise servers and patching.
  • Simplifies user and group management, and single sign-on.
  • Enables access to cloud resources and Active Directory from anywhere.
  • Cost-effective, especially compared to on-premise solutions.
Cons of AWS Directory Service
  • Limited customization options, especially for connector setup.
  • Limited number of users can access the service.
  • Difficulty navigating the numerous features and choosing the right one.
  • Underlying Windows Server and Active Directory version are not always the latest.
  • Managing snapshots can be challenging due to lack of naming.

AWS Directory Service pricing

The commentary is based on 2 reviews from AWS Directory Service G2 reviews.

We find that AWS Directory Service pricing can be complex and difficult to predict. While there's a free tier, many crucial features come with a cost. Keep in mind that budgeting for security expenses might require careful planning.

See the AWS Directory Service pricing page.

  • AWS Directory Service has a free trial.

Standard Edition
Custom

Suitable for small and midsize businesses with up to 5,000 employees and 30,000 directory objects. Offers 1 GB of storage capacity.

Enterprise Edition
Custom

Designed for enterprise organizations with up to 500,000 directory objects. Offers 17 GB of storage capacity.


AWS Directory Service alternatives

  • Logo of Azure Active Directory Domain Services
    Azure Active Directory Domain Services
    Cloud domain controller for easy user and group management.
    Read more
  • Logo of ManageEngine ADManager Plus
    ManageEngine ADManager Plus
    Simplified Active Directory management, automation, and secure access control.
    Read more
  • Logo of Okta Workforce Identity
    Okta Workforce Identity
    Secure employee login for all apps, boosting productivity and safety.
    Read more
  • Logo of JumpCloud
    JumpCloud
    Secure cloud directory: manage users, devices, and access.
    Read more
  • Logo of Microsoft Entra ID
    Microsoft Entra ID
    Securely manage access to apps and resources for everyone.
    Read more
  • Logo of Render
    Render
    Effortless cloud hosting and deployments for websites and apps.
    Read more

AWS Directory Service FAQ

  • What is AWS Directory Service and what does AWS Directory Service do?

    AWS Directory Service allows you to manage users, groups, and devices in the cloud or connect your existing on-premises Active Directory. It simplifies single sign-on and access control, making it easy to manage cloud-based Windows and Linux environments.

  • How does AWS Directory Service integrate with other tools?

    We find that AWS Directory Service integrates seamlessly with other AWS services like Amazon EC2, S3, and RDS. It also works with your existing on-premises Active Directory and supports single sign-on for various applications.

  • What the main competitors of AWS Directory Service?

    We find that JumpCloud, Azure Active Directory Domain Services, Okta Workforce Identity, ManageEngine ADManager Plus, and Microsoft Entra ID are the main competitors for AWS Directory Service. They offer similar directory services and identity management solutions.

  • Is AWS Directory Service legit?

    In our experience, AWS Directory Service is a legitimate and safe service. It's a widely used directory service with generally positive reviews, especially for its ease of setup and integration with other AWS services. While some users have noted limitations, it remains a popular choice for cloud-based directory management.

  • How much does AWS Directory Service cost?

    AWS Directory Service pricing is custom and depends on your specific needs and usage. Contact AWS for a quote. They offer Standard and Enterprise editions, and a free trial is available.

  • Is AWS Directory Service customer service good?

    We don't have customer service reviews specific to AWS Directory Service. However, general AWS reviews often mention helpful and responsive customer support, though some express concerns about cost and complexity.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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