Entra ID: Microsoft is implementing changes to Azure Directory

Published July 27, 2023
Author: Ash Khan

Entra ID: Microsoft is implementing changes to Azure Directory

Published July 27, 2023
Author: Ash Khan

Get ready for Microsoft Entra ID.

As part of a rebranding, the cloud-based identity and access management service known as Azure Active Directory will be renamed Microsoft Entra ID. The change is part of Microsoft’s attempts to simplify terminology. Entra is coexisting with Entra Permissions Management and Verified ID since its introduction in May 2022. Fortunately, for users, this entails little more than becoming acquainted with the product’s new nomenclature.

What exactly is Microsoft Entra?

Microsoft Entra assists you in protecting all identities and ensuring secure network access anywhere. It all starts with Microsoft Entra formerly Azure AD, which manages and secures people, applications, workloads, and devices.

Most of us are familiar with the term Microsoft Entra, so I don’t expect this name change to have a significant influence. Moreover, the former name approach made it simple to explain to stakeholders how the two interacted in a hybrid setting. It becomes less evident with the term Microsoft Entra ID, but Entra does more than just manage people and machines in microsoft 365.

Microsoft Entra ID replaces Azure AD

Microsoft confirmed the following modifications to standalone licence names: Microsoft Entra ID Free replaces Azure AD Free. Also, Microsoft Entra P1 replaces Azure AD Premium P1. Entra ID P2 replaces Azure AD Premium P2. And the customer identity offering, Azure AD External Identities, is renamed Microsoft Entra External.

Changes will be made gradually, with SKU and service plan name changes not taking effect until October. The name change is planned to be completed by the end of 2023. Customers who are concerned about how the changes may affect them when the Entra sub-brand begins to take over various activities need not be:

All previous deployments, settings, and integrations will continue to operate as before. Additionally, all capabilities and licencing plans, sign-in URLs, and APIs as well.

Simultaneously, Microsoft announced the release of Microsoft Entra Internet Access and Microsoft Entra Private Access. Both of these are intended to make safeguarding access easier and more when cyberattacks are growing more common. Furthermore, they have joined an expanding portfolio of Entra-branded solutions designers. This was done to provide administrators control over identity and access management, as well as network access.

Do you want assistance with Microsoft Azure Cloud? Check out the azure cloud management services.