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The tech world is abuzz with the recent announcement from Microsoft about a significant name change. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), a key component of Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, is getting a fresh new name: Microsoft Entra ID. This move comes as part of Microsoft’s efforts to streamline its product offerings, enhance brand identity, and provide a more cohesive experience for users.
Why the Name Change?
Only the name is changing
Microsoft has decided to rename Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID in order to unify its product family, reflect the evolution towards modern multi-cloud identity security, and simplify secure access experiences for all users. The new name aligns with Microsoft’s broader branding strategy, emphasizing a consistent and recognizable identity across its diverse range of products and services.
What’s Not Changing?
Identity developer and DevOps experiences aren’t impacted by the rename
While the name may be changing, rest assured that the core functionalities, features, and capabilities of Azure AD remain unchanged. Existing users and organizations utilizing Azure AD can continue to do so seamlessly, without any interruption. Deployments, configurations, and integrations will continue to function as they do today, requiring no action from users.
The Broad Impacts of the Change
Introducing branding and its role in the name change exercise
The renaming of Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID has several broad impacts on Microsoft’s identity and access management ecosystem. By bringing all identity-related products under the Microsoft Entra umbrella, the company aims to create a more cohesive and integrated experience for users.
Unifying the Microsoft Entra Product Family
The name change signifies a unification of Microsoft’s identity and access management products. Microsoft Entra encompasses not only Microsoft Entra ID (formerly known as Azure AD) but also introduces new identity categories and network access solutions. This move streamlines the product family and provides a clearer framework for customers to navigate Microsoft’s offerings.
Progression to Modern Multicloud Identity Security
With the new name, Microsoft Entra ID reflects the company’s commitment to evolving identity security in the era of multicloud computing. As businesses increasingly adopt hybrid and multicloud environments, Microsoft Entra ID aims to provide robust and modern identity solutions that span across multiple cloud platforms. This progression ensures that Microsoft remains at the forefront of secure access experiences in the evolving technological landscape.
Simplifying Secure Access Experiences
A key goal of the name change is to simplify secure access experiences for all users. By aligning Azure AD with the broader Microsoft Entra product family, Microsoft aims to create a more intuitive and user-friendly ecosystem. This simplification will enable users to seamlessly navigate and access the secure resources they need, regardless of the underlying infrastructure.
Embracing the Power of Branding
Branding plays a vital role in the name change exercise
Microsoft recognizes the importance of branding in conveying a cohesive and memorable identity to users. The name change from Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID is an integral part of this branding strategy. By introducing a unified naming convention across its product offerings, Microsoft enhances its brand recognition and establishes a strong association between its identity solutions and the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
The role of branding extends beyond the name change itself. It encompasses the entire user experience, from visual elements like logos and icons to the names of individual features. Microsoft encourages content creators, developers, and partners to adopt the new naming guidance outlined by the company. This ensures consistency and helps propagate the name change throughout the ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common queries about the name change
When is the name change happening?
The name change will begin appearing across Microsoft experiences after a 30-day notification period, which started on July 11, 2023. Display names for service plans and SKUs will change on October 1, 2023. The majority of naming changes in Microsoft experiences are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Will licenses and pricing change?
No, licenses, pricing, terms, and service-level agreements (SLAs) remain the same. Customers can continue using Microsoft Entra ID with the existing licenses and pricing structure. Microsoft provides detailed pricing information on their website for customers who seek more information.
What happens to Azure AD capabilities and features?
All Azure AD capabilities and features, such as App Gallery and Conditional Access, will be rebranded as Microsoft Entra features. While the names may change, the functionalities and capabilities remain unchanged. Users can continue utilizing these features without any interruption.
Where can I manage Microsoft Entra ID?
You can manage Microsoft Entra ID, along with other Microsoft Entra solutions, in the Microsoft Entra admin center or the Azure portal. These management interfaces provide comprehensive control and configuration options for identity and access management.
With the renaming of Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft takes a significant step toward unifying its identity and access management solutions. The name change brings simplicity, consistency, and a modern touch to the product family, aligning with Microsoft’s broader branding strategy. Users can expect a seamless transition, as all existing features, functionalities, and integrations remain unchanged. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the new Microsoft Entra ID experience—it’s the same reliable identity solution with a fresh coat of paint.
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