Microsoft recently announced they will be renaming Azure Active Directory to Entra ID – a move designed to unify the Microsoft Entra product family.
Introduced in May 2022, the Entra suite originally consisted of three core products, these being Azure AD, Microsoft Entra Permissions Management and Microsoft Entra Verified ID – Microsoft Entra Governance and Microsoft Entra Workload ID were later added to the suite.
The decision to rename Azure AD is part of Microsoft’s long-term ambitions to streamline product naming, making it easy for users to recognise and understand specific products so they can reap the full range of benefits immediately.
In this blog, we’ll be delving into Microsoft Entra, exploring the details of the proposed changes and highlighting the benefits associated with the suite.
What do the changes entail?
Designed to safeguard organisations with a cloud identity and access management solution, Entra ID connects employees, customers and partners to their apps, devices and data.
In essence, it is a powerful tool that forms the foundation of the broader Entra product range. These products include; Microsoft Entra ID Governance, Microsoft Entra External ID, Microsoft Entra Verified ID, Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, Microsoft Entra Workload ID, Microsoft Entra Internet Access and Microsoft Entra Private Access.
This comprehensive suite of tools combine to guarantee organisations have secure network access, whilst protecting personal identities in an age where privacy and cyber security are of the utmost importance. The flexible nature of these products also means that businesses can develop their strategy over time, ensuring it is always fit for purpose.
For some businesses, the idea of change can be daunting especially if they have grown accustomed to a certain way of working. However, it’s important to note that the renaming of Azure AD is just that – all capabilities will remain the same and functionalities of the products will be fully accessible without changes.
There are no hidden price increases either, as all licensing, terms, agreements and certifications will remain unaffected. The only thing for users to anticipate is a change in the display names of service plans, which will come into effect on October 1, 2023.
Standalone offers will soon be called Microsoft Entra ID Free, Microsoft Entra ID P1 and Microsoft Entra ID P2, but this will have no bearing on the existing capabilities set out in the current Azure AD plans.
Microsoft have confirmed the name change process will be completed by the end of 2023, ensuring it has been integrated throughout the Microsoft 365 suite.
Enhanced user experience…
Although many of the products and their perks will remain the same, the renaming of Azure AD is another development designed to enhance the user experience by encouraging integration through a simple yet effective naming structure.
Microsoft Entra ID will continue to play an important role in Microsoft 365 licensing plans, ensuring it’s accessible to every business that currently relies on Microsoft solutions to complete daily tasks.
It’s a development for businesses to keep a close eye on as the names of service plans will change over time – of course, we will keep clients updated as to any significant updates too.
If you’re interested in using Entra ID in your business or would like more information on any of the products discussed, then contact our in-house team for more details.
