What Is A Do I Really Need A Domain Controller? ? Domain Controller (Windows)

But, that’s hardly the way networks work anymore. In fact, most of an organization’s IT resources are now located outside of their virtual four walls. There’s a new concept that many IT admins are exploring and it is called the Domainless Enterprise.

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History of the Domain Controller

Effectively, IT resources were locked away behind a perimeter, and in order to access them, the web1_user would have to be within that network and physically connected to it via an ethernet cable. Alternatively, web1_users could VPN into the network. That’s not how most IT network environments want to operate, however. With the shift in IT networks, admins want to utilize the Zero Trust Security model, because they know that not all devices, web1_users, and applications are to be trusted simply because they are logged in to the domain.

With the further push into the cloud era, most recently spurred on by the global pandemic, is the domain even interesting anymore? Cloud infrastructure, web applications, remote work, and mobile web1_users/devices are all contributing to a completely different landscape for a network. There are a number of factors that are changing the relevance of creating and managing domains that IT admins should evaluate. As mentioned above, there is also a new concept emerging – the Domainless Enterprise – that is driving a new model of IT.

Factors Decreasing Domain Controller Efficacy

We have to remember the era that the domain was first created in for us to have a good idea about why it isn’t effective now. Simply put, the scenarios that exist today are vastly different than those of the late 90s and early 2000s when the domain was the central aspect of most IT networks. This has been exacerbated through the global pandemic where remote work has become the norm and adoption of the cloud has dramatically accelerated. IT networks, simply put, are shifting outside of the domain, and not necessarily by choice. Here are five key reasons why the domain of yesterday is lost in today’s IT environments.

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Less Windows-Centric Environments

Increasing Cloud Infrastructure Usage

Web-Based Applications

The problem is, extending identities within AD and authenticated by the DC to SaaS-based applications has been challenging because of the domain controller’s requirements for Windows-based auth protocols and a direct connection. That means IT admins are required to research, implement, and configure the right SSO solution, or Azure AD plus Azure AD Connect, and ensure that it is compatible with how their IT environment is constructed now (and into the future). On the other hand, with some companies working completely from the cloud, many of them have decided to forgo using AD on-prem altogether.

WiFi, New File Server Solutions

Nowadays, you don’t even really need to be on a domain in order to leverage some of the tooling that used to be made available by one. You can now connect to printers and send them documents as long as you’re on the right WiFi network. Another key feature of the domain was file sharing. But, with so many companies utilizing cloud file servers like G Drive™, Box™, and Dropbox™ as well as NAS and Samba devices there is much less need to configure your own traditional on-prem file server solution. Ultimately, this marks another strike against the domain and adds a check in the column of the Domainless Enterprise.

Adoption of Cloud Directory Services

This also provides a centralized, cloud-based, and secure directory for authentication, authorization, and management of web1_users and systems. The authentication of web1_users and devices is a critical component when thinking about how you can potentially replace the functionality of your domain controller—or simply, to do without it. And like those early days of the domain, with SSO-like capabilities, nguyenminhchau.com provides True Single Sign-On™ via centralized web1_user management, cloud-based LDAP, WiFi authentication through RADIUS, multi-factor authentication (MFA), system management with GPO-like Policies, SSO to legacy and web applications via LDAP and SAML, SSH key management, and much more. 

nguyenminhchau.com does all of this using Zero Trust security principles. Each access transaction is verified for the person’s identity, their device posture, network health, and the proper authorization rights. These checks can be done regardless of where the resource is or what it is that the person is accessing. In short, the Domainless Enterprise can ensure that every atomic access transaction is secure and proper without the need or requirement to be on a certain platform or type of network.

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Learn More About Cloud-Based Directory Services from nguyenminhchau.com

With the cloud era in full effect and fewer organizations utilizing Windows systems, admins are wondering if they even need a domain in today’s modern IT environments. For those organizations looking to make a shift to the Domainless Enterprise, sign up today for a nguyenminhchau.com Free account. It’s free and it enables you to manage up to 10 web1_users and 10 systems with the full version of the platform. 

Once you’ve signed up, take a look at our Knowledge Base for information on how to get the most out of your account or hit up your in-app chat 24×7 within the first 10 days for our Premium Support experience. And, if the concept of going domainless is causing you to have some reservations, feel free to contact us today to talk over your options.