Microsoft Active Directory vs 389 Directory Server

Struggling to choose between Microsoft Active Directory and 389 Directory Server? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft Active Directory is a Network & Admin solution with tags like identity-management, access-control, authentication, authorization, security, microsoft.

It boasts features such as Centralized network administration, Fine-grained access control, Group Policy management, Kerberos-based authentication, LDAP integration, Single sign-on, Hierarchical data storage and pros including Improved security, Easier user/resource management, Role-based access control, Centralized configuration, Simplified authentication.

On the other hand, 389 Directory Server is a Network & Admin product tagged with ldap, directory, server, replication, security.

Its standout features include LDAP server, Multi-master replication, Access control policies, Password policies, Account lockout, Logging and monitoring, CLI and web-based admin tools, Integration with SSSD and IPA, Schema management, Database backends like LMDB and Berkeley DB, and it shines with pros like Open source, Enterprise-grade performance and scalability, Robust access control and security features, Multi-master replication for high availability, Wide protocol support (LDAP, LDAPI, StartTLS, etc), Backward compatible with Fedora Directory Server.

Feature	Microsoft Active Directory	389 Directory Server
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

Microsoft Active Directory

Description: Microsoft Active Directory is a directory service that enables managing identities, access, and security in a corporate network. It centrally stores information about users, devices, and other resources for finding, accessing, and managing them.

389 Directory Server

Description: 389 Directory Server is an open source enterprise-class LDAP server developed by Red Hat. It is fast, scalable, and robust, supporting a wide range of LDAP clients with features like multi-master replication, security, and administrative controls.

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Active Directory Features

• Centralized network administration
• Fine-grained access control
• Group Policy management
• Kerberos-based authentication
• LDAP integration
• Single sign-on
• Hierarchical data storage

389 Directory Server Features

• LDAP server
• Multi-master replication
• Access control policies
• Password policies
• Account lockout
• Logging and monitoring
• CLI and web-based admin tools
• Integration with SSSD and IPA
• Schema management
• Database backends like LMDB and Berkeley DB

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Active Directory

Pros

• Improved security
• Easier user/resource management
• Role-based access control
• Centralized configuration
• Simplified authentication

Cons

• Complex setup/management
• Potential single point of failure
• Requires training/expertise
• License costs

389 Directory Server

Pros

• Open source
• Enterprise-grade performance and scalability
• Robust access control and security features
• Multi-master replication for high availability
• Wide protocol support (LDAP, LDAPI, StartTLS, etc)
• Backward compatible with Fedora Directory Server

Cons

• Complex installation and configuration
• Steep learning curve
• Limited Windows AD integration features
• Lacks GUI for administration
• Not as widely used as Active Directory

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Active Directory

• Subscription-Based

389 Directory Server

• Open Source