Object synchronization is the process where on-premises directory objects (users, groups, and contacts) are synchronized to your Microsoft 365 directory. The primary advantage of synchronization is that it provides users with a common identity for accessing both cloud and on-premises resources.
Azure Active Directory Sync, better known as Azure AD Connect, is a tool provided by Microsoft to synchronize on-premises directories with Azure AD.
Install-Module -Name AzureAD
$AzureAdCred = Get-Credential
Connect-AzureAD -Credential $AzureAdCred
Above is an example of Azure AD Connect code where an on-premises directory is synchronized.
Pros of synchronizing objects:
- Reduces administration overhead by automating the process of managing user, group, and contact information.
- Users can use the same password on-premises and in the cloud.
- Changes to user accounts made on-premises are automatically updated in Microsoft 365.
Cons of synchronizing objects:
- Complexity increases because you have to maintain two versions of your directory (on-premises and cloud).
- Sync errors may occur, causing inconsistencies between your on-premises and cloud directories.
Object Not Synchronized/Created as Cloud-Only
Cloud-only objects are created directly on Azure AD and have no associated objects in an on-premises environment. This approach is mainly applicable to businesses that exclusively use cloud applications or have a cloud-first model for their workloads.
To create a cloud-only user in Azure AD, you would use the following PowerShell command:
New-AzureADUser -ObjectId johndoe@contoso.com -PasswordProfile $passwordProfile -AccountEnabled $true
Pros of creating objects as cloud-only:
- Lower infrastructure management since there is no need for on-premises servers.
- Speed, as the creation and deletion of objects are immediate.
Cons of creating objects as cloud-only:
- If you need to transition from cloud-only to synchronized in the future, the process can be complicated.
- Your authentication is limited to Azure Active Directory authentication options only.
| Object Synchronization | Cloud-Only Objects | |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | Common identity for accessing both cloud and on-premises resources | Lower infrastructure management |
| Con | Complexity increases with maintenance of two versions of the directory | Complicated transition to synchronized methods, Limited authentication options |
Deciding Whether to Synchronize or Create Cloud-Only Objects
The decision will largely depend on your organizational needs. If your organization is heavily invested in on-premises systems and gradually transitioning to the cloud, object synchronization may fit perfectly. On the other hand, if your organization prefers fully embracing cloud technology, cloud-only object creation would be more advantageous.
Remember to consider factors such as cost, security, complexity, and future-proofing when making this decision. It’s also essential to note that you can use a hybrid approach where some objects are synchronized while others are cloud-only, all based on business requirements.
Practice Test
True/False: All objects in a Microsoft 365 environment should be synchronized.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Not all objects need or should be synchronized. The need for synchronization depends on the setup of your environment and the requirements of your organization.
True/False: Cloud-only objects can be converted to synchronized objects.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Cloud-only objects, if required, can be converted to synced objects through synchronization processes while setting up Azure AD Connect.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a reason to leave an object as cloud-only?
- a) Need for identity sharing across applications
- b) Reduces complexity of operation
- c) Requirement to keep accounts isolated
Answer: a) Need for identity sharing across applications.
Explanation: Identity sharing across applications is not a reason to leave an object as cloud-only. This requirement can be satisfied with both cloud-only and synchronized objects.
When should an object be created as cloud-only?
- a) When you need to simplify resource access.
- b) When you need to isolate user accounts.
- c) When you need to ensure the highest level of data protection.
Answer: b) When you need to isolate user accounts.
Explanation: Cloud-only objects are often used when there’s a requirement to keep certain accounts isolated from on-premises environments.
What is the purpose of object synchronization in a Microsoft 365 environment?
- a) To keep data isolated.
- b) To share identities between on-premises and cloud environments.
- c) To reduce the amount of storage required.
Answer: b) To share identities between on-premises and cloud environments.
Explanation: Object synchronization ensures that identities exist in both on-premises and cloud environments, simplifying identity management.
True/False: You should synchronize objects if you have a hybrid environment.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: If you have a hybrid environment, object synchronization can ensure that your on-premise identities and objects are also available in your cloud environment.
True/False: All cloud-only objects are not accessible from on-premise.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Cloud-only objects can still be accessed from on-premise but they are not synchronized back to your on-premise environment.
Single Select: Which type of object should be considered when cost of operation and complexity are important factors?
- a) Synchronized objects
- b) Cloud-only objects
- c) On-premise only objects
Answer: b) Cloud-only objects
Explanation: Cloud-only objects require less infrastructure, resources, and management, thus reducing cost and complexity.
True/False: Active Directory objects created on-premise can be made cloud-only.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: Active Directory objects created on-premise are typically synchronized to the cloud, not made cloud-only.
What is the primary advantage of creating an object as cloud-only?
- a) Increased security.
- b) Isolation from on-premise environments.
- c) Increased flexibility and access.
Answer: b) Isolation from on-premise environments.
Explanation: Cloud-only objects are often used when there’s a requirement to keep certain accounts isolated from on-premises environments.
True/False: Azure AD Connect is the Microsoft tool used for synchronizing objects.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Azure AD Connect is Microsoft’s tool that connects your on-premise identities with the cloud to facilitate synchronization.
In a synchronized setup, an object’s attributes are updated in:
- a) Both on-premise and cloud
- b) Cloud only
- c) On premise only
Answer: a) Both on-premise and cloud
Explanation: In a synchronized environment, attributes changes are reflected in both on-premise and cloud instances as they’re kept in sync.
True/False: Password changes for a synchronized user must be initiated from the on-premises Active Directory.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: As passwords are hashed and synchronized from on-premise to cloud in a synchronized setup, they must be initiated from the on-premises Active Directory.
Single Select: What is not a benefit of object synchronization?
- a) Single identity for users.
- b) Increased complexity.
- c) Cohesive management of resources.
Answer: b) Increased complexity.
Explanation: The primary benefit of object synchronization is in terms of management and user experience – the increased complexity is considered a disadvantage.
True/False: Users with synchronized accounts can use the same credentials to access resources on-premises and in the cloud.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: One of the benefits of synchronization is that it enables single sign-on (SSO), allowing users to access resources across environments using the same set of credentials.
Interview Questions
What does it mean for an object to be synchronized in terms of Microsoft 365 identity and services?
Synchronization refers to the process of ensuring that the same data exists in multiple locations. In the context of Microsoft 365 identity services, this typically refers to user accounts and related data being kept up-to-date across on-premises and cloud systems.
What differences does a cloud-only object have from a synchronized object in Microsoft 365?
Cloud-only objects are those that exist only in an online service like Microsoft 365 and not in an on-premises directory service. Meanwhile, synchronized objects are those that exist both in an online service and in an on-premises directory service.
How does synchronization help in Microsoft 365?
Synchronization ensures that the data is accurate and up-to-date in all systems – both on-premises and in the cloud. This includes user account information, group memberships, and contact information, improving user experience and reducing management overhead.
When should you consider not synchronizing an object?
You should consider not synchronizing an object if that object does not need to be accessed or manipulated on multiple systems. For example, if a temporary stat change does not affect the overall game state.
What are some considerations when deciding between using cloud-only objects and synchronized objects?
Some of the considerations could be the need for immediate updates across systems, data integrity, the ease of management, security, and compliance requirements, and the availability of internet connectivity.
How does synchronization affect security in Microsoft 365?
Synchronization can enhance security by ensuring consistent application of security settings and access controls across systems. However, it can also introduce additional complexity and potential points of failure.
What method is used to synchronize on-premises objects with the cloud in Microsoft?
Azure AD Connect is used to synchronize on-premises objects with the cloud in Microsoft.
What is the impact of turning off synchronization on an object?
Turning off synchronization will make the object only available in its original location. Any changes made in one place, won’t affect the other.
Is there any situation where synchronization might not be the best choice?
In situations where you have sensitive objects that should not be stored or accessible online, synchronizing might not be the best choice.
What are some of the challenges of using cloud-only objects in Microsoft 365 identity and services?
One of the challenges could be the lack of immediate synchronization with on-premise systems. If the on-premise systems are updated, the changes wouldn’t be reflected in the cloud until a manual update or sync is initiated.
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