Azure AD is now Microsoft Entra ID, but users aren't happy

Big week for Microsoft users. Patch Tuesday it’s here, and it brought a lot of new features with it, including the VPN icon, voice commands, and the ability to quickly fix your computer. Plus, on the Canary Channel, you are able to fix your Windows 11 from Windows update. It will be out on live Windows servers soon.

However, this is not all. Starting this week, Microsoft has decided to change the name of Azure Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID. So it means that Azure has a new name.

To unify the Microsoft Entra product family, reflect the progression to modern multicloud identity security, and simplify secure access experiences for all, we’re renaming Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to Microsoft Entra ID.

Microsoft

No action is required from you, Microsoft says. You can continue to use the service without interruption. All existing deployments will continue to function as they do today without any action from you. However, not all users are happy with this. Many of them don’t want to learn the new names. And a lot of subreddits, such as the sysadmin, know what Azure AD stands for.

In MS’ defense, it is hard to name products when you have a stack as large as theirs. But sometimes, I just don’t get it. Azure AD as an extension of AD–a name that’s been around for 20+ years and a brand that is deeply respected–is just good marketing. I don’t understand this Entra BS. You’re sacrificing lineage with one of the most respected brands in this whole space. EVERYONE knows what AD stands for on this subreddit. Why give that up?

If it has to change, why not change it to Azure ID. Entra is a really weird word.

I’m tired of Microsoft’s changes. “Azure AD” just makes sense.

What are the new names coming to Azure AD?

Microsoft is emphasizing that only the names are changing, the services are still the same.

All features and capabilities are still available in the product. Licensing, terms, service-level agreements, product certifications, support and pricing remain the same.

Starting on October 1st, 2023, display names for these services will change. Microsoft Entra ID Free, Microsoft Entra ID P1, and Microsoft Entra ID P2 will become the new names of the Azure Active Directory Services. Here is a list of the all new names coming to Azure, so you might start to learn them.

However, you should know that some of the names will stay the same.

• Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL)
• Microsoft Graph
• Microsoft Graph PowerShell
• Windows Server Active Directory
• Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Azure Active Directory B2C

The changes on all the platforms will happen gradually starting in October 2023, and they will be fully implemented everywhere before 2024.

What do you think about these new names? Is Microsoft doing the right thing? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.