Best Active Directory Manager Solutions for IT Admins

Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is used to manage user authentication, authorization, and access to network resources. Active Directory management is a critical task that requires skilled professionals and powerful tools.

In this article, we will discuss what Active Directory Manager is, why it’s important, who needs it, the market and trends, and explore the top Active Directory management tools available in the market.

What is Active Directory Manager?

Active Directory Manager is a tool designed to simplify Active Directory management by automating various tasks. It allows IT administrators to create, modify, and delete users, groups, and computer objects in a domain. Active Directory Manager also enables administrators to monitor and manage Active Directory domains and forests, including Group Policy Objects (GPOs), Domain Name System (DNS) configurations, and security settings.

Why Use an Active Directory Manager?

Active Directory Manager is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient network environment. Without it, IT administrators may face challenges such as manual management of users, groups, and computers, which can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and security risks.

An Active Directory Manager tool streamlines the process, reduces errors, and saves time, allowing IT administrators to focus on other critical tasks.

Who Needs an Active Directory Manager?

Organizations of all sizes can benefit from Active Directory Manager, especially those with complex IT infrastructures.

IT administrators responsible for managing Active Directory domains and forests, including user accounts, group policies, and resource access, can benefit from using an Active Directory Manager tool.

Market and Trends for Active Directory Manager

The Active Directory Manager market is growing rapidly, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.5% from 2020 to 2025.

The increasing demand for cloud-based services, the need for secure authentication and authorization processes, and the rising number of cyber-attacks are some of the factors driving the growth of the Active Directory management market.

Best Active Directory Management Tools – Top AD Managers

Tool	Features	Price	Market Position
ManageEngine ADManager Plus	User and group management, password management, computer management, task delegation, report generation, automation of routine tasks	Starts at $495 for 100 users/yr	Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights with a 4.5/5 rating
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager	User and group management, delegated administration, active directory auditing, privileged account management, report generation	Starts at $1,995 for 100 users/yr	Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights with a 4.4/5 rating
ManageEngine ADAudit Plus	Active Directory auditing, permission analysis, security and compliance auditing, report generation, alerting and notification	Starts at $495 for 100 users/yr	Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights with a 4.4/5 rating

ManageEngine ADManager Plus

ADManager Plus is a web-based Active Directory (AD) management and reporting solution that helps AD administrators and help desk technicians handle day-to-day tasks. The solution can manage multiple user accounts in AD, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace along with Microsoft Exchange mailboxes. Its password management feature enables administrators to reset users’ passwords, configure and set password policies, and more.

With its help desk delegation capability, AD administrators can define roles and delegate tasks to non-administrative users. Other features include file permissions management, automated stale account cleanup, and GPO management. You can manage AD on-the-go with iOS and Android apps. Check out ADManager Plus.

• Features: User and group management, password management, computer management, delegation of tasks, report generation, automation of routine tasks
• Pricing: Starts at $495 for 100 users per year
• Market Position: Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights, with a 4.5/5 rating from 254 reviews

SolarWinds Access Rights Manager

• Features: User and group management, delegated administration, active directory auditing, privileged account management, report generation
• Pricing: Starts at $1,995 for 100 users per year
• Market Position: Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights, with a 4.4/5 rating from 46 reviews

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus

• Features: Active Directory auditing, permission analysis, security and compliance auditing, report generation, alerting and notification
• Pricing: Starts at $495 for 100 users per year
• Market Position: Highly rated on Gartner Peer Insights, with a 4.4/5 rating from 172 reviews

Active Directory Manager tools are essential for efficient and secure management of Active Directory domains and forests. They help IT administrators automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and save time, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.

The Active Directory Manager market is growing rapidly, and the top tools discussed in this article are highly rated by industry experts and users alike. Choose the tool that best suits your organization’s needs, and enjoy streamlined Active Directory management.