What level of Active Directory expertise do I need for basic user management versus complex enterprise scenarios?
Basic user management (adding/removing accounts, password resets) requires beginner-level skills. However, enterprise scenarios like designing secure OU structures, implementing group policies, or planning disaster recovery need intermediate to advanced expertise. If you're managing more than 100 users or have compliance requirements, you need someone with solid intermediate skills minimum.
How can I tell if someone actually knows Active Directory well versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to explain how they'd troubleshoot a specific scenario like replication issues or failed group policy application. Real expertise shows in their ability to describe the underlying processes, mention specific tools they'd use, and discuss multiple potential causes. Someone who only knows basics will give vague answers or immediately jump to calling Microsoft support.
Can Active Directory handle modern cloud integration, or is it outdated for today's hybrid work environments?
Active Directory integrates excellently with modern cloud services through Azure AD Connect and hybrid identity solutions. It's not outdated - it's evolved. However, it requires expertise in both traditional AD and cloud integration. Pure on-premises AD without cloud integration is becoming outdated, but hybrid implementations are the current enterprise standard.
How does Active Directory work with the other tools my business already uses like Salesforce, Office 365, or our VPN?
AD can provide single sign-on to most business applications through SAML, OAuth, or direct integration. Office 365 integrates natively, Salesforce connects through federation services, and VPNs typically authenticate against AD directly. The key is having someone who understands these integration patterns and can configure them securely without breaking existing workflows.
How long does it typically take to set up Active Directory or migrate to a new AD environment?
Basic AD setup for a small company takes 1-2 weeks including planning and testing. Complex migrations or multi-domain implementations can take 3-6 months depending on size and complexity. Azure AD integration projects typically run 4-8 weeks. Always plan for extensive testing periods - rushing AD changes can cause company-wide outages.
What ongoing maintenance does Active Directory require after the initial setup is complete?
AD requires regular monitoring of replication health, security log reviews, backup verification, and periodic security updates. Expect 5-10 hours per week for basic maintenance in medium-sized environments. You'll also need expertise available for user lifecycle changes, group policy updates, and troubleshooting authentication issues. Many companies retain AD specialists on retainer rather than full-time staff.