Azure AD Connect Sync and Azure AD Connect Cloud Sync are two different services provided by Microsoft Azure for synchronizing on-premises Active Directory objects with Azure Active Directory. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two services and which one may be best suited for your organization.
Azure AD Connect Sync is a tool that allows organizations to synchronize their on-premises Active Directory objects with Azure Active Directory. It is a server-based solution that requires a physical or virtual server to be installed in the organization’s environment. It is a one-way sync solution that only synchronizes changes from the on-premises Active Directory to Azure Active Directory. Azure AD Connect Sync can be customized to fit the organization’s requirements by selecting which objects to synchronize, how often to synchronize, and what attributes to include in the synchronization process.
On the other hand, Azure AD Connect Cloud Sync is a cloud-based solution that synchronizes on-premises Active Directory objects with Azure Active Directory. It is a two-way sync solution that synchronizes changes between the on-premises Active Directory and Azure Active Directory. It eliminates the need for a physical or virtual server in the organization’s environment, as all synchronization is done in the cloud. Azure AD Connect Cloud Sync is a simpler solution that doesn’t require much customization, but it is more limited in terms of functionality compared to Azure AD Connect Sync.
Azure AD Connect Sync is a more comprehensive solution that provides more customization options for organizations that require a one-way sync solution, while Azure AD Connect Cloud Sync is a simpler solution that is better suited for organizations that require a two-way sync solution and don’t require extensive customization. It’s important to assess your organization’s needs before deciding which solution to implement, as each has its own advantages and limitations.