Microsoft Active Directory Alternatives
Microsoft Active Directory
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that Microsoft developed for Windows domain networks and included in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of processes and services.
An AD domain controller authenticates and authorizes all users and computers in a Windows domain type network—assigning and enforcing security policies for all computers and installing or updating software. For example, when a user logs into a computer that is part of a Windows domain, Active Directory checks the submitted password and determines whether the user is a system administrator or normal user.
Active Directory makes use of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) versions 2 and 3, Microsoft's version of Kerberos, and DNS.
Best Microsoft Active Directory Alternatives
Looking for some programs similar to Microsoft Active Directory? Here are the top-recommended programs we found. Let's take a look if there's anything out there that helps you on whatever platform you're using.
Samba
FreeOpen SourceMacLinuxBSDSamba is the standard Windows interoperability suite of programs for Linux and Unix. Since 1992, Samba has provided secure, stable and fast file and print services for...
Zentyal
FreeOpen SourceLinuxZentyal is a native Microsoft Active Directory® implementation on Linux incorporating all the network services required in a small and medium business environment:...
Features:
- File sharing
- Gateway
- Email Server
- Remote desktop
- Email Server
Univention Corporate Server
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxOpen, innovative platform to efficiently operate + manage server applications + complete IT infrastructures for Linux, MS Windows, Mac OS X.
Features:
- Active Directory authentication
- DHCP Server
- DNS management
- Single Sign-On
- Active Directory integration
- Active Directory Migration
- ARM support
- Based on Debian
- Support for Docker
- File management
- Kerberos
- LDAP Services
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Network Monitoring
- Operating system
- SAML Single Sign-On
- Server Management
- Software as a Service
OpenLDAP
FreeOpen SourceMacLinuxBSDOpenLDAP Software is an open source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. The suite includes: slapd - stand-alone LDAP daemon (server) ...
FreeIPA
FreeOpen SourceLinuxFreeIPA is an integrated security information management solution combining Linux (Fedora), 389 Directory Server, MIT Kerberos, NTP, DNS, Dogtag (Certificate System). It...
JumpCloud
CommercialMacWindowsLinuxCloud-based directory services. Alternative to Microsoft Active Directory. Provides LDAP-as-a-Service, RADIUS-as-a-Service. Authenticates, authorizes, and manages...
Features:
- LDAP Services
- Linux Management
- Mac Apps
- Mac Management
- RADIUS Services
- SAML Single Sign-On
- Security & Privacy
- Single Sign-On
389 Directory Server
FreeOpen SourceLinuxCentOSFedoraEnterprise-class open source Linux LDAP server. Hardened by real-world use, full-featured, supports multi-master replication. 389 DS can be downloaded for free and set...
GLAuth
FreeOpen SourceLinuxGo-lang LDAP Authentication (GLAuth) is a secure, easy-to-use, LDAP server with configurable backends.
OpenDJ
FreeOpen SourceWindowsLinuxSelf-HostedOpenDJ is a directory server which implements a wide range of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol and related standards, including full compliance with LDAPv3 but also...
RazDC
FreeOpen SourceLinuxSelf-HostedIt's an active directory replacement built on CentOS + Samaba4. Includes support for Directory, DNS, DCHP, and NTP type services. Features • MS Compatible...
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