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AWS Directory Service

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Last updated on

Company health

Employee growth
12% increase in the last year
Web traffic
3% decrease in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.1/5
(21)
Glassdoor
3.7/5
(206324)

AWS Directory Service description

AWS Directory Service lets you run Microsoft Active Directory in Amazon's cloud or connect your existing on-site Active Directory. This allows you to manage users and groups, enable single sign-on for applications, and control access to resources. It simplifies managing cloud-based Windows and Linux environments.


Who is AWS Directory Service best for

AWS Directory Service simplifies user and group management in the cloud. It integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, enhancing security with features like IAM and MFA. Easy setup is a plus, but some users find the pricing complex and customization options limited.

  • Ideal for businesses of all sizes (1-1000+ employees).

  • Particularly well-suited for Healthcare, Finance, and IT.


AWS Directory Service features

Supported

AWS Directory Service enables management of users and groups, facilitates single sign-on, and controls access to resources.

Supported

AWS Directory Service supports AWS Managed Microsoft AD, AD Connector, and Simple AD for various directory management needs.

Supported

AWS Directory Service allows connecting existing on-premises Active Directory to AWS.

Supported

AWS Directory Service offers a fully managed Microsoft Active Directory, eliminating the complexities of managing domain controllers.

Supported

AWS Directory Service streamlines the process of joining Amazon EC2 instances and other directory-aware workloads to a directory.

Supported

AWS Directory Service provides a native Microsoft Active Directory experience using Windows Server.


AWS Directory Service reviews

We've summarised 21 AWS Directory Service reviews (AWS Directory Service G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of AWS Directory Service
  • Easy to set up and use, particularly for Simple AD.
  • Managed service, reducing the need for on-premises servers and patching.
  • Seamless integration with other AWS services.
  • Enhanced security with features like IAM and MFA.
  • Flexible, allowing both cloud and native protocol (LDAP) access.
Cons of AWS Directory Service
  • Limited customization options, especially for connector setup.
  • Not the latest version of Active Directory and Windows Server.
  • Limited backup retention period (e.g., not able to restore from 30 days ago).
  • Difficult to set up client access, especially for first-time users.
  • Complex pricing structure can make budgeting difficult.

AWS Directory Service pricing

The commentary is based on 2 reviews from AWS Directory Service G2 reviews.

AWS Directory Service offers a comprehensive suite of identity and access management tools. While the pricing can be complex and difficult to predict, many find the granular control and compliance features valuable. Consider the costs carefully against your specific security needs.

See the AWS Directory Service pricing page.

  • AWS Directory Service has a free trial.

Standard Edition
Custom

Suitable for small and midsize businesses with up to 5,000 employees and 30,000 directory objects. Offers 1 GB of storage capacity.

Enterprise Edition
Custom

Designed for enterprise organizations with up to 500,000 directory objects. Offers 17 GB of storage capacity.


AWS Directory Service alternatives

  • 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 ManageEngine ADManager Plus
    ManageEngine ADManager Plus
    Simplified Active Directory management, automation, and secure access control.
    Read more
  • Logo of Okta Workforce Identity
    Okta Workforce Identity
    Secure employee login for all apps, boosting productivity and safety.
    Read more
  • Logo of JumpCloud
    JumpCloud
    Secure cloud directory: manage users, devices, and access.
    Read more
  • Logo of Microsoft Entra ID
    Microsoft Entra ID
    Securely manage access to apps and resources for everyone.
    Read more
  • Logo of Render
    Render
    Effortless cloud hosting and deployments for websites and apps.
    Read more

AWS Directory Service FAQ

  • What is AWS Directory Service and what does AWS Directory Service do?

    AWS Directory Service is a managed service that allows you to connect your cloud-based resources to an existing on-premises Microsoft Active Directory or set up a new directory in the AWS cloud. It simplifies user and group management, single sign-on, and access control, enabling seamless integration with other AWS services.

  • How does AWS Directory Service integrate with other tools?

    AWS Directory Service integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, such as EC2 and IAM, and supports existing on-premises Active Directory. It offers flexible options for cloud and native protocol (LDAP) access, enhancing security with features like MFA.

  • What the main competitors of AWS Directory Service?

    Top alternatives to AWS Directory Service include Azure Active Directory Domain Services, JumpCloud, Okta Workforce Identity, and ManageEngine ADManager Plus. These competitors offer similar directory services, user management, and single sign-on capabilities.

  • Is AWS Directory Service legit?

    Yes, AWS Directory Service is a legitimate service from Amazon Web Services. It offers secure and reliable management of directories, enabling single sign-on and resource access control, simplifying cloud and hybrid environments. It integrates seamlessly with other AWS services and is trusted by many users for its ease of use and scalability.

  • How much does AWS Directory Service cost?

    AWS Directory Service pricing is custom and depends on usage. It offers Standard and Enterprise editions suitable for small to large businesses. Contact AWS for a quote tailored to your specific directory service needs. A 30-day free trial is available.

  • Is AWS Directory Service customer service good?

    There is no customer service quality score available, and there are no reviews specifically mentioning customer service experiences. Therefore, I cannot assess the quality of AWS Directory Service's customer service.


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.