What is DaaS (Directory-as-a-Service)?
DaaS is one of the latest terms in the field of cloud computing that is going to be more prevalent in future. It stands for directory-as-a-service and here we will try to understand what is DaaS (Directory-as-a-Service) and how it actually works. It is a kind of cloud-based solution that is accessible at the user store of a company. The function is to actively take and move lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) or Microsoft Active Directory right to the cloud and manage it effectively in the form of a service.
The best part of DaaS is that it can function as an ideal combination of the best features of cloud based active directory or LDAP. It is the modernized version of directory to work along with critical IT trends like proliferation of the device types and cloud services.
What is DaaS (Directory-as-a-Service) in Information Technology?
In terms of IT, DaaS is a kind of secure connection and effective management of manpower to IT resources via a single, unified, specialized cloud based user directory. Particularly, the user directory would remain safe and functioning in the cloud and be the single access point for all the employees to reach their devices and applications. It is worth mentioning that a cloud-based directory service is the point of central connection for different other kinds of complementary solutions like single sign-on. Some of the organizations may seamlessly navigate to DaaS, but many need a migration path by leading an existing LDAP or Active Directory to the cloud.
How DaaS (Directory-as-a-Service) Functions?
After understanding what is Directory-as-a-Service, it is essential to understand how it actually functions. DaaS is the core of the IT services that are meant for authorizing, authenticating and managing the users along with their respective devices and applications. Each function is described below in a brief manner-
Authorising:
DaaS is one stop authorization solution, which ensures the fact that the right users have access to the right IT resources in your company. Besides, it is also feasible to execute a command when the users are required to add or remove devices from the system.
Authenticating:
DaaS can perform as an extension or as directory of record of your present directory. The requests to authenticate the users are sent via LDAP protocol. It can easily be deployed on Windows, Linux and Mac devices for the policy and task management, security auditing and survivability.
Managing:
One of the vital functions of DaaS solution is it’s proficiency to manage Windows, Linux and Mac devices at scale. Directory-as-a-Service can simplify task execution over the devices including globally updating policy settings, applying patches, modifying registry settings as well as changing system configurations. It will make sure consistency across your environment, as well as facilitating you to group the alike objects and employ the same configurations and policies across them.
Some of DaaS cloud companies are enlisted below –
- Okta
- JumpCloud
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS Directory Service.
- OneLogin
- Oracle Identity Management.
Conclusion:
In case you are struggling to infer how your user directory can navigate to the modern cloud era, besides helping control and manage new device and user types, then it is pivotal to come across best DaaS service. The services from one reliable source could help you to much greater extent!