Logo of Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

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Company health

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

Ratings

G2
3.4/5
(12)

Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) description

Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is a server role for Windows Server. It allows businesses to issue and manage digital certificates, which are like digital identification cards for users, devices, and applications. These certificates enhance security by verifying identities and encrypting communications within your organization's network. AD CS integrates seamlessly with Active Directory, streamlining certificate management.


Who is Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) best for

Microsoft AD CS is a server role in Windows Server that allows organizations to issue and manage digital certificates. This enhances security by verifying identities and encrypting communications. Seamless integration with Active Directory streamlines certificate management, making it especially beneficial for large enterprises heavily reliant on Windows environments.

  • Ideal for medium to large enterprises (101+ employees) deeply integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem.

  • Well-suited for IT, finance, and healthcare, where robust security is paramount.


Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) features

Supported

AD CS issues SSL/TLS certificates for secure website communication.

Supported

AD CS integrates with Active Directory to issue and manage certificates for user and computer authentication.

Supported

Active Directory Certificate Services supports code signing certificates.

Supported

AD CS offers predefined and customizable certificate templates, simplifying issuance.

Supported

AD CS issues client certificates for authentication and S/MIME email security.

Supported

AD CS supports certificate issuance, renewal, and revocation, especially for Windows devices.


Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) alternatives

  • Logo of Keyfactor Command
    Keyfactor Command
    Simplifies and automates digital certificate lifecycle management.
    Read more
  • Logo of Sectigo Certificate Manager
    Sectigo Certificate Manager
    Simplifies SSL certificate management, boosting online security and uptime.
    Read more
  • Logo of DigiCert Trust Lifecycle Manager
    DigiCert Trust Lifecycle Manager
    Securely manage, issue, and automate digital certificates.
    Read more
  • Logo of Google Cloud Certificate Authority Service
    Google Cloud Certificate Authority Service
    Manage and issue trusted digital certificates easily and securely.
    Read more
  • 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 Semperis Directory Services Protector
    Semperis Directory Services Protector
    Rapidly recovers Active Directory after cyberattacks and outages.
    Read more

Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) FAQ

  • What is Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) and what does Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) do?

    Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is a server role in Windows Server that issues and manages digital certificates. These certificates verify identities and encrypt communication, bolstering network security. AD CS seamlessly integrates with Active Directory, simplifying certificate management.

  • How does Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) integrate with other tools?

    AD CS seamlessly integrates with Active Directory, simplifying certificate lifecycle management for users, devices, and applications within a Windows environment. It supports various certificate templates and facilitates secure communication through SSL/TLS certificates.

  • What the main competitors of Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)?

    Keyfactor Command, DigiCert Trust Lifecycle Manager, AWS Certificate Manager, Sectigo Certificate Manager, and Windows Server are the main competitors of Microsoft AD CS. These alternatives offer similar certificate management functionalities, catering to diverse business needs and IT environments.

  • Is Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) legit?

    Yes, Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is a legitimate Microsoft product. It's a server role for Windows Server that enhances security through digital certificate management, enabling trusted identities and encrypted communications within an organization's network. It is especially useful for large enterprises reliant on Microsoft technologies.

  • How much does Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) cost?

    Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) pricing is not publicly available. It is included with Windows Server, but licensing costs may vary depending on the edition and deployment scale. Contact Microsoft for specific pricing details.

  • Is Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) customer service good?

    There is no customer service information available for Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS).


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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