What is Microsoft Entra ID and it's features and history?

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What is Microsoft Entra ID?

Microsoft Entra is a collection of tools that help organizations manage identity and secure access to their networks. 

It supports a Zero Trust model, which means no one is trusted automatically every user and device must prove they are safe before getting access. 


What Microsoft Entra Do?

Entra checks who you are, confirms if you should be allowed in, reviews what you’re allowed to do, protects your connection with encryption, and keeps watch for any unusual activity that might signal a threat. It builds a strong layer of trust across your digital environment.

History of Entra ID (formerly known as Azure AD)

Managing access to digital resources has become more complex than ever. An experienced IT professional will recall the early days of juggling multiple passwords, navigate countless login screens, and constantly worry about unauthorized access. 

These challenges were not just frustrating as they posed serious security risks. That is where Microsoft Entra ID steps in.

Microsoft Entra ID, formerly known as Azure Active Directory, is designed to simplify identity and access management across cloud and on-premises environments. 

According to Microsoft’s official documentation, it provides secure access to applications, resources, and services by verifying user identities and enforcing access policies. 

It enables single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access, making it easier for users to connect while keeping threats out.

Key Features Explained Simply

Here are the main features of Microsoft Entra ID:

  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Sign in once and access many apps without logging in again.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra steps to verify your identity, like a code or fingerprint.

  • Conditional Access: Allows or blocks access based on location, device, or risk level.

  • Group and Device Management: Helps manage users and their devices easily.

  • Hybrid Identity Support: Connects on-premises systems with cloud services.

  • Self-Service Password Reset: Lets users reset their passwords without help from IT.

  • Secure Collaboration: Allows partners and guests to access apps safely.

  • Legacy App Support: Works with older login systems like Kerberos and LDAP.

  • Device Authentication: Verifies devices no matter where they are.

  • SaaS Integration: Connects with apps like Dropbox, Salesforce, and Concur.

Extended Features of Microsoft Entra

Beyond Entra ID, Microsoft Entra includes:

  • Entra ID Governance Monitor, audit, and control access to sensitive resources while ensuring users have the right permissions at the right time.

  • Entra External ID Manage identities of external users—like partners, vendors, and customers who can securely access and at scale.

  • Entra Internet Access & Global Secure Access Provide secure, policy-driven access to internet and SaaS apps, extending Zero Trust principles beyond the corporate network.

Microsoft’s documentation on Entra ID offers a rich overview of its capabilities, and here’s a rephrased and extended summary of what it covers.

Pricing of Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID Free:

  • Basic identity and access management

  • Includes single sign-on (SSO) for up to 10 apps per user

  • Self-service password reset for cloud users

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) via security defaults

  • User and group management

  • Azure AD Join for Windows devices

  • Best for individuals and small businesses with limited IT needs

Short summary: Basic identity tools for small teams and startups.


Microsoft Entra ID P1:
  • Includes all Free features, plus:

  • Conditional Access policies for better security control

  • Hybrid identity support (on-premises AD sync)

  • Group-based access management

  • Self-service password reset for hybrid users

  • Cloud app discovery and usage insights

  • Microsoft Identity Manager for on-prem provisioning

Short summary: Enterprise-grade access control and hybrid identity support.


Microsoft Entra ID P2:

  • Includes all P1 features, plus:

  • Identity Protection with risk-based conditional access

  • Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time admin access

  • Access reviews for compliance and governance

  • Automated role and access lifecycle management

  • Ideal for large organizations with strict security and compliance needs

Short summary: Advanced security, governance, and compliance tools.

For Service limits and restrictions: visit Microsoft Document page 

Customer Success Stories using Entra ID:

PepsiCo uses Microsoft Entra ID with Intune to streamline device onboarding and enhance security across 400,000+ devices globally. 

Entra ID enables seamless single sign-on and conditional access, ensuring every user and device accessing company data is secure and compliant.

Read more customer success stories using Azure Entra products at Microsoft Customer Success stories page. For more blogs, visit Cloud Nerchuko homepage.

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