Azure AD Connect to Hit GA This Month

Available in preview since August of last year, Azure AD Connect is expected to hit general availability sometime this month.

Prior to the invention of Azure AD Connect, customers had to rely on two different synching tools (DirSync and Azure AD Sync Services) to get Active Directory information connected between on-premises and Microsoft's Cloud. Azure AD Connect combines these tools into single synchronization service.

One of the bigger drivers for the impending release is that Windows 10 will have deeper Azure integration built into it. However, reports suggest that while July 29 marks the date when Windows 10 will release publicly, this is only targeted toward consumers. Windows 10 with business designs won't deliver until later this year, possibly in September. And, this is starting to make more sense. Last week we uncovered previously unconfirmed plans on how Microsoft expects to deal with updating Windows 10 for businesses. The evolution of the updating strategy is constantly in motion, and from my reports, Microsoft is still in the early stages of development for bringing Windows 10 management capabilities to businesses.

Get the full picture. Related information:

Windows 10 will be an Azure AD Citizen Out of the Box

Windows Azure Pack to Become Azure Stack