Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator ExpertImplement and manage Microsoft Entra IDMedium
A consultant is assisting a small business with implementing Microsoft Entra Connect. The business has a single domain Active Directory forest with fewer than 50,000 objects. They need a simple, cloud-managed synchronization solution that minimizes on-premises infrastructure and administrative overhead. Which deployment option should the consultant recommend?
- AMicrosoft Entra Connect with staging mode enabled.
- BMicrosoft Entra Connect with a full SQL Server instance.
- CMicrosoft Entra Connect with custom synchronization rules.
- DMicrosoft Entra Connect Cloud Sync.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Microsoft Entra Connect Cloud Sync.
Microsoft Entra Connect Cloud Sync is designed for simplicity and minimal on-premises footprint. It uses lightweight agents and is managed primarily from the cloud. This makes it ideal for smaller organizations or those with simpler synchronization needs (like a single domain forest and fewer than 50,000 objects), reducing administrative overhead compared to the full Microsoft Entra Connect server.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Staging mode adds complexity and is for high availability with full Connect, not for minimizing overhead.
- B. Full SQL Server is overkill for a small business with fewer than 50,000 objects; default SQL Express is sufficient for full Connect.
- C. Custom sync rules add complexity, which contradicts the goal of a 'simple' solution.
Microsoft Entra Connect Cloud Sync
Microsoft Entra Connect Cloud Sync is a lightweight, cloud-based agent that synchronizes users, groups, and contacts from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID.
- Minimal on-premises footprint and administrative overhead.
- Managed primarily from the Microsoft Entra admin center.
- Suitable for single-domain forests, disconnected forests, and smaller environments.
Memory trick: Full Connect is for complex, Cloud Sync is for simple.