Microsoft Active Directory is described as 'Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that Microsoft developed for Windows domain networks and included in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of processes and services' and is an app in the network & admin category. There are more than 10 alternatives to Microsoft Active Directory for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Web-based, Windows and Mac apps. The best Microsoft Active Directory alternative is Zentyal. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Samba or Univention Corporate Server (UCS). Other great apps like Microsoft Active Directory are Microsoft Entra ID, FreeIPA, SambaBox and pGina Fork.
Integrates native Active Directory and all essential network services, including domain, mail, gateway, infrastructure, and security roles, for SMBs, offering web-based management, centralized authentication, file server, VPN, and firewall in a single Linux platform.
It's free and easy to use.
Samba is the standard Windows interoperability suite of programs for Linux and Unix.
Samba's main prupose is usage of SMB protocol on linux computers than managing ones through a LDAP
It's literally a reimplementation of AD on Linux. Samba has been around for many years and is trusted by thousands of admins to provide seamless Windows interoperability.
UCS is an open platform for central identity & access management, IT management, and active directory, with a web portal for easy access to applications.
it works flawless and it's free as long you don't need commercial support. Companies can get professional support from UCS or UCS Partners. It is the most complete alternative to MS ADS.
Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is a comprehensive identity and access management cloud solution that provides a robust set of capabilities to manage users and groups.
FreeIPA is an integrated security information management solution combining Linux (Fedora), 389 Directory Server, MIT Kerberos, NTP, DNS, Dogtag (Certificate System). It consists of a web interface and command-line administration tools.
They explicitly state that they don't intend to be a drop in replacement for active directory.
not only completely free its the only one i implimented and joined linux hosts to it. all the rest failed to deliver.
SambaBox is an enterprise directory appliance with Web based management interface. SambaBox also offers integrated domain name (DNS), dynamic computer configuration (DHCP), certificate authority (CA), Microsoft Exchange compatible and also supports up to 2016 Functional Level...
I like SambaBox as an alternative to Microsoft AD for its robust GPO management and sleek web interface. It excels with secure, extensive API integrations and efficient bulk operations, making it effective for handling large user data and policies.
I tried with demo license. It was worked with my windows and mac enviroment.
SambaBOX offers more tools than standart Microsoft Active Directory like CA, DHCP, SNMP. Best part is installation takes just minutes.
pGina is a replacement for the default Windows Credential Provider. Through plugins, pGina allows you to configure the login process from authentication and authorization through Radius, SSH, Kerberos, POP, IMAP,... remote servers.
Enterprise-class open source Linux LDAP server. Hardened by real-world use, full-featured, supports multi-master replication. 389 DS can be downloaded for free and set up in less than an hour using the graphical console.
OpenLDAP Software is an open source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.
Cloud-based directory services. Alternative to Microsoft Active Directory. Provides LDAP-as-a-Service, RADIUS-as-a-Service. Authenticates, authorizes, and manages employees, their devices and IT applications.
It's an active directory replacement built on CentOS + Samaba4. Includes support for Directory, DNS, DCHP, and NTP type services.
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100% drop-in replacement, tried and tested by yours truely.