Azure AD Connect in Public Preview, Combines Dirsync and AAD Sync into Single Tool

Microsoft today has announced the availability of Azure AD Connect. Azure AD Connect is the first attempt at combining the two tools, Dirsync and AAD Sync, into a single, integrated solution. Using Azure AD Connect customers can connect on-premises identity infrastructure to the Cloud. In other words, the new tool, seeks to create a simplified conduit so that Active Directory content can be synched directly with Azure Active Directory.

Available in Preview now, Azure AD Connect provides a wizard setup, allowing you to choose the topology and then deploy all required components for connecting and running sync services.

Additionally, going forward, Azure AD Connect will be the only tool available to perform this functionality. Dirsync and AAD Sync are being officially retired and will no longer be offered individually.

The Preview download is available on Microsoft Connect here: Azure AD Connect Public Preview 1 Download