WindowsAD

WindowsAD is a directory service used in Windows networks to centralize identity management, resource authorization, and policy enforcement. It provides a hierarchical structure of objects such as users, computers, groups, and organizational units, stored in a distributed database managed by domain controllers. WindowsAD supports centralized authentication using Kerberos, authorization through access control lists, and policy deployment via Group Policy.

WindowsAD architecture centers on domains, domain controllers, and forests. A domain is a security boundary containing an AD DS database; several domains can form a forest. Replication ensures consistency across domain controllers. The DNS service is tightly integrated to locate resources and services. Objects are defined by a schema and can be extended with custom attributes.

Core components include AD DS (the directory service), DNS integration, Group Policy, and Active Directory sites and services for topology-aware replication. Administration is performed through tools such as the Active Directory Administrative Center, PowerShell cmdlets, and Group Policy Management Console. Typical workload includes user provisioning, computer management, and access control for resources such as files, printers, and services.

WindowsAD supports interoperability with non-Windows platforms through LDAP and Kerberos, and can be extended with cross-forest trusts or federation via standards-based protocols. Availability and security are addressed via domain controller redundancy, regular backups, auditing, and adherence to least privilege and password policies.

History: WindowsAD draws on the design of Microsoft’s Active Directory introduced in Windows 2000 and subsequently extended. In practice the term is used in documentation as a Windows-like directory service or as an open implementation compatible with AD protocols.