Authors: Priya Iyer
Abstract: The rapid adoption of cloud and hybrid IT environments has transformed the requirements for enterprise identity management, necessitating secure, scalable, and efficient authentication and authorization mechanisms. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and Microsoft Active Directory (AD) remain foundational technologies for centralized identity services, enabling consistent access control, user management, and policy enforcement across on-premises and cloud platforms. This review examines the architectural features, operational strategies, and integration capabilities of LDAP and AD in modern hybrid cloud environments. It highlights the challenges of security threats, operational complexity, and regulatory compliance, while exploring emerging trends such as zero trust architectures, Identity as a Service (IDaaS), and AI-driven automation. Case studies of enterprise implementations illustrate best practices in hybrid identity deployment, including incremental migration, policy standardization, and federated authentication. By analyzing both technical and practical perspectives, this article provides comprehensive guidance for IT professionals seeking to modernize identity management frameworks, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure robust security across cloud and hybrid infrastructures.
DOI: http://doi.org/
