Active Directory integration is the process of connecting Microsoft's Active Directory (AD) with enterprise applications, cloud services, and other systems to create a unified identity and access management (IAM) framework. This integration extends AD's directory services beyond traditional on-premises environments, enabling organizations to centrally manage user identities, authentication, and authorization policies across their entire digital infrastructure, including hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.

By implementing Active Directory integration, organizations can enable seamless single sign-on (SSO) experiences while enforcing consistent security controls such as granular access permissions, password policies, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all connected platforms. This centralized approach significantly reduces attack surfaces, minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, eliminates fragmented identity silos, and provides comprehensive audit trails essential for regulatory compliance and effective governance of critical digital assets.