Active Directory in 2026: Migrate, Modernize, or Maintain
AD DS remains the identity core at thousands of companies. We explain when to migrate to Entra ID, when to stay on-premises, and how to manage the hybrid scenario.
Active Directory Domain Services has been the pillar of corporate identity for more than 25 years. In 2026, the question is no longer whether to modernize it, but how to do so without disrupting operations.
The current state: why is AD DS still relevant?
Despite the rise of the cloud, most midsize companies in Colombia keep AD DS on-premises for valid reasons: legacy applications that only support Kerberos/NTLM, OT/SCADA equipment with no internet connectivity, compliance requirements that mandate keeping data on their own premises, and existing investment in server infrastructure.
The three possible scenarios
Scenario 1: Keep pure AD DS (on-premises)
This applies to organizations with 100% on-premises applications, no frequent remote users, and no plans to adopt M365 or Azure in the short term. However, this scenario becomes unsustainable as users work from home and applications move to SaaS.
Scenario 2: Hybrid identity with Entra Connect
The solution for most midsize companies. Microsoft Entra Connect synchronizes identities from AD DS to Entra ID. Users have a single identity that works for both on-premises and cloud resources, with SSO, MFA, and Conditional Access for every sign-in.
Scenario 3: Native Entra ID (cloud-only)
For new companies or those that have completed the migration of all their applications to SaaS or Azure. Simplified management, no domain controller infrastructure, and Intune for device management.
Signs that your AD DS needs urgent attention
- Service accounts with passwords that never expire and excessive privileges
- Undocumented nested groups: no one knows exactly what access each group grants
- Domain controllers running Windows Server 2012 or earlier: no security support
- No auditing of AD changes: you do not know who modified which object, or when
The practical path: an AD Assessment first
Before any migration, we perform an Active Directory Assessment that includes an object inventory, privileged account analysis, a GPO review, replication health, and an assessment of application compatibility with Entra ID.
With this diagnosis, we design the right modernization plan for your organization, without rushed migrations that put operations at risk.
