Active Directory® (AD) is a distributed directory service that has been available from Windows since the release of Windows Server 2000. AD allows for the secure, centralized management of an entire network. This capability allows administrators to manage computers, users, and other objects.
In a distributed computing environment, networked computers and other devices communicate over remote connections to accomplish tasks through client/server applications. A directory service provides a centralized location to store information within a distributed environment. The information can include networked devices, services, and the people who use them.
UD initially implemented Active Directory® based on Windows Server 2008 R2. It has since been upgraded and is now running on Windows Server 2019. The Active Directory service is available to any UD unit that wants to manage its computing environment centrally.
Joining the central AD system will provide several other benefits. The central AD will work well with Exchange Online and Office 365. In addition, all these services will use your central UDelNet password.