Entra ID Migration Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive approach to migrating your existing identity solutions to Microsoft Entra ID.
Introduction
Migrating to Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is a strategic move to leverage modern identity and access management capabilities. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, considerations, and best practices for a successful transition.
Phase 1: Planning and Assessment
1. Understand Your Current Environment
- Inventory existing identity stores (e.g., on-premises Active Directory, other cloud providers).
- Identify applications and their authentication methods.
- Assess user populations and their access requirements.
- Evaluate existing security policies and compliance needs.
2. Define Migration Goals
- Cloud-only identity vs. Hybrid identity.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) strategy.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requirements.
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM) needs.
- Application modernization strategy.
3. Choose Your Migration Approach
- Staged Rollout: Migrate users and applications in batches.
- Lift and Shift: Migrate existing configurations with minimal changes (often for initial sync).
- Re-architect: Redesign applications and workflows to take full advantage of Entra ID features.
Phase 2: Preparation and Configuration
1. Set up Microsoft Entra ID Tenant
Ensure your Entra ID tenant is properly configured, including:
- Custom domain verification.
- Licensing review and assignment.
- Initial administrative role assignments.
2. Hybrid Identity Configuration (if applicable)
For hybrid environments, configure:
# Example using Entra Connect Sync
# Install and configure Entra Connect Sync tool
# Choose appropriate sign-in method (Password Hash Sync, Pass-through Authentication, Federation)
- Entra Connect Sync for user and group synchronization.
- Single Sign-On methods (Password Hash Sync, Pass-through Authentication, Federation).
3. Application Migration Planning
Categorize applications based on complexity and migration effort:
- SaaS Applications: Leverage Entra ID Application Gallery or SAML/OAuth configuration.
- Line-of-Business (LOB) Applications: Use Entra Application Proxy or modernize to support modern authentication protocols.
- Legacy Applications: May require custom solutions or specific connectors.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
1. Pilot Migration
Start with a small group of users and a few non-critical applications. Monitor performance, user experience, and security closely.
2. User and Group Migration
Synchronize or migrate users and groups based on your chosen approach. Ensure proper attribute mapping and resolution of any conflicts.
3. Application Integration
Integrate applications one by one, testing thoroughly after each integration. Configure SSO, conditional access policies, and user provisioning/deprovisioning.
Phase 4: Post-Migration and Optimization
1. Monitoring and Validation
Continuously monitor Entra ID sign-in logs, audit logs, and application access for any anomalies.
2. User Training and Support
Provide clear documentation and training to end-users on any new login procedures or self-service features.
3. Security Enhancement
Implement and refine Conditional Access policies, role-based access control (RBAC), and Identity Protection features.
4. Decommissioning Legacy Systems
Once confident, plan the phased decommissioning of old identity infrastructure.