# Directory Services

### What is Microsoft Active Directory (AD)?

• Found on any Windows Server with AD Domain Services

• Database of objects: User Accounts, Computers, Printers, File Shares, Security Groups

• Centralized security management, create account, assign permissions

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### AWS Directory Services

• AWS Managed Microsoft AD

* Create your own AD in AWS, manage users
* Establish “trust” connections with your on-premise AD

• AD Connector

* Directory Gateway (proxy) to redirect to on-proxy premise AD, supports MFA
* Users are managed on the on-premise AD

• Simple AD

* AD-compatible managed directory on AWS
* Cannot be joined with on-premise AD

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