Microsoft Entra ID: Renamed Azure AD with New Entra AI and Entra Data Features

Microsoft has launched two new additions to the Entra product range, a suite of cloud-based solutions for enterprise customers. The new services, Entra AI and Entra Data, aim to provide users with powerful and flexible tools for artificial intelligence and data management. The two tools come after Microsoft revealed that Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) would be renamed Microsoft Entra ID.

Entra AI is an artificial intelligence platform that enables users to create, deploy and manage AI applications across multiple domains and industries. Users can take advantage of Microsoft’s built-in AI models or create their own custom models using Entra Studio, a visual development environment. Entra AI also supports integration with other Entra products, such as Entra Connect, which allows users to connect their AI applications with various data sources and services, and Entra Edge, which allows users to run their AI applications on edge devices.

Entra Data is a data management and analytics service that enables users to store, process, and analyze large amounts of structured and unstructured data in the cloud. Users can access their data using SQL or NoSQL queries, as well as use Entra Data’s built-in analytics tools for data exploration and visualization. Entra Data also integrates with other Entra products, such as Entra Studio, which enables users to design and execute data flows and workflows, and Entra AI, which enables users to apply AI models to their data.

Entra AI and Entra Data are built on Microsoft Azure, the enterprise cloud computing platform, and offer high performance, scalability, security, and reliability. Microsoft also claims that the new service offers low costs and easy access, as users only pay for what they use and can access the service from any device and location.

Rebranding Active Directory into Entra Family

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) rebranding as Microsoft Entra ID is a major update to the platform. The change is part of Microsoft’s wider effort to rebrand its access and identity management (IAM) portfolio under the Microsoft Entra brand.

Microsoft Entra ID will continue to offer the same features and functionality as Azure AD, but will also include new features and capabilities designed to make it easier for organizations to manage and secure their identities. For example, Microsoft Entra ID will include support for federated identities, which will make it easier for organizations to connect with other organizations and cloud services.

The renaming of Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to simplify its product portfolio and make it easier for customers to find the right product for their needs. The Microsoft Entra brand will also help unify Microsoft’s IAM portfolio and make it easier for customers to manage their identity across Microsoft products and services.

The new Entra AI and Entra Data services are expected to launch in late 2023, with a preview version available in early 2023 for select customers and partners. Microsoft hopes the new service will help its enterprise customers accelerate their digital transformation and innovation with cloud-based AI and data solutions.

In July 2021, Microsoft acquired cloud security firm CloudKnox to enhance protection on the Microsoft Azure platform. Microsoft Entra then arrived in May as a bundled security product from Azure Active Directory and CloudKnox.