Microsoft EntraID CloudSync Outsmarts ConnectSync in 2025 Race

Key insights

• Microsoft Entra ID CloudSync is a cloud-based solution that synchronizes users, groups, and contacts between on-premises Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID, making identity management more efficient.


• Lightweight Agent: The service uses a simple cloud provisioning agent, which makes installation and maintenance easier compared to traditional local sync engines.


• High Availability and Multi-Forest Support: Organizations can deploy multiple agents for reliable synchronization and manage multiple Active Directory forests, which is useful for complex environments such as company mergers.


• Cloud-Based Management: All configuration happens in the cloud within Microsoft Entra ID, removing the need for local databases and reducing administrative complexity.


• Comparison with Entra Connect Sync: Unlike Entra Connect Sync, which relies on local servers and databases for advanced customization but requires more upkeep, CloudSync offers simpler management but fewer custom features.


• Limitations: While CloudSync supports large groups and simplifies hybrid setups, it does not currently support some features like Pass-Through Authentication. Organizations needing these may need to use both tools until feature parity is reached.

Keywords

Microsoft EntraID CloudSync 2025 ConnectSync comparison cloud identity synchronization Microsoft identity management EntraID features ConnectSync alternatives enterprise cloud sync solutions