Uplevel AD vs. Azure AD: What’s The Difference?

A question that often comes up is: “If I’m using Azure AD from Microsoft, why do I need Uplevel’s Active Directory compatible Domain Controller?” Let’s take a look.

What is Azure Active Directory?

Azure Active Directory is a cloud-based identity & access management service developed by Microsoft. It is primarily oriented towards identity management, and allows companies to centralize user access and identity management.

Core Functionalities of Azure AD:

• Provides a cloud-first approach to management, enabling single-sign-on (SSO) access to cloud applications.
• Supports secure authentication with conditional access policies and multi-factor authentication.
• Supports unified identity within various platforms and applications, streamlining user access.

What is Uplevel AD?

Uplevel AD is a comprehensive identity management solution made to empower small businesses with structured user management & resource control.

Core Functions of Uplevel AD:

• Caters especially to small businesses, delivering a tailored solution for user management.
• Integrated an Active Directory™ compatible Domain Controller, accessing efficient management of users and devices.
• Features an intuitive cloud-based user interface to manage users, computers, and storage.
• Helps set Group Policy Objects from the Uplevel dashboard directly for efficient control.
• Assures continuous cloud-backed backups for SYSVOL and domain databases, to simplify disaster recovery.

Unveiling Contrasts Between Azure AD and Uplevel AD:

• Integration: Azure AD emphasizes cloud application access

Uplevel AD integrates an Active Directory-compatible Domain Controller.

• User Scope: Azure AD targets a broad spectrum of organizations.

Uplevel AD is specifically designed for small businesses attempting to efficiently manage user management and access control.

• User Experience: Azure AD assures a unified identity experience.

Uplevel AD ensures fine-grained control over users & resources.

• Threat Detection: Azure AD features advanced threat detection.

Uplevel AD provides cloud extensions for robust disaster recovery.

• Device Management: Azure AD extends its reach to device management to secure access from multiple devices.

Uplevel AD, offers user and resource management, with more emphasis on centralized user control.

• Policy and Permission Control: Azure AD offers conditional access policies for better security.

Uplevel AD empowers administrators to set Group Policy Objects directly, verifying granular control over policies.

Azure AD’s Authentication Excellence

Azure Active Directory stands as a robust authentication solution developed to facilitate secure access to cloud services. It has a paramount emphasis on offering a seamless and secure authentication experience. Although Azure AD excels in cloud-based authentication, it relies on familiar username/password credentials primarily. This approach could have vulnerabilities, involving the risk of password-related breaches. Also, Azure AD's scope remains narrower, just focusing on cloud application access and authentication.

In comparison to Uplevel AD, Azure AD's focus is to offer secure cloud authentication. It might suit organizations seeking streamlined cloud access. However organizations requiring comprehensive user management & resource control find Azure AD's scope limiting.

Empowering Small Businesses Holistically With Uplevel AD

Uplevel AD emerges as a comprehensive identity management service designed to cater to the different needs of small businesses. It extends the influence beyond authentication, encompassing a huge array of functions encompassing user, device, and resource management. This approach reflects a dedication to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by small businesses.

Uplevel AD's innovative approach by offering centralized control enhances operational efficiency as administrators can simplify device integration, user access, and resource allocation through the unified interface.

Limitations of Azure AD for Small Business Needs:

Azure Active Directory features a range of benefits for businesses, but it's vital to understand its limitations, especially in the context of small businesses. Listen below are the limitations:

• Device Control: Limited device control abilities can pose security risks with inadequate device management.
• Compliance Troubles: Incomplete device control leads to compliance troubles, impacting regulatory adherence & data security.
• Personalization Limitations: Impotence to enforce tailored group policies limits small businesses from applying certain security configurations.
• ‍Security Vulnerabilities: Without curated policies, security can be compromised, leaving companies open to potential breaches

Uplevel AD: A Powerful Small Business IT Ally

Uplevel AD emerges as the ideal comprehensive identity management solution beyond basic authentication. Its potential spans integrating devices into the system seamlessly and enforcing policies with efficiency. Also, Uplevel AD stands out as the top option compared to Azure AD with its ability to serve a diverse spectrum of IT management needs.

Making informed choices is paramount in the IT world. But, Uplevel makes it easy by being the beacon guiding small businesses to fortify their security measures and unlock streamlined device management. Powered by Uplevel AD, small businesses can confidently explore the complex landscape of identity and device management. Make the right choice and join hands with Uplevel - your ultimate ally to IT excellence.

About Uplevel Systems

Uplevel Systems is a small business IT infrastructure provider that sells exclusively through managed service providers. Uplevel’s subscription offering is the most popular with SMBs, but some prefer Uplevel’s new equipment purchase program and use a CapEx model.