Progent's Enterprise Support Services
Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID Help:
Planning, Deployment, and Troubleshooting
Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID Support
Active Directory (AD) and Microsoft Entra ID are Microsoft's core identity management and directory services for on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid networks. On-premises Active Directory enables centralized single-sign-on (SSO) for applications and services and supports infrastructure components such as DNS, DHCP, IPsec, Wi-Fi, NPS, and VPN. When on-premises Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is installed on a server, that server can be promoted to a domain controller for domain management with support for Group Policy, fine-grained password policy, Active Directory Admin Center, and other features.
Microsoft Entra ID, formerly branded Azure Active Directory, is Microsoft's cloud-based Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) solution for identity, access management, and security. Microsoft Entra ID allows you to register users, groups, apps, and devices with Azure to enable SSO access to apps and Microsoft 365 accounts. With the Microsoft Entra ID Connect application (formerly called Azure AD Connect) installed on-premises, you can sync local usernames and passwords up to Microsoft Entra ID to support a hybrid network model.
For two decades, Progent has delivered expertise for all releases of Active Directory and Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), providing the knowledge and experience needed to design, deploy, and troubleshoot complex AD deployments across an enterprise.
Deploying Hybrid Networks with Microsoft Entra Domain Services
Applications slated for moving to the cloud might depend on traditional AD domain features like Group Policy, Domain Join, LDAP, or Kerberos/NTLM authentication. Updating application code to use native Azure AD services can be difficult even if you have source code. But you cannot deploy a VM in Azure for running an AD DS domain controller without a site-to-site connection like VPN. Microsoft Entra Domain Services (formerly Azure AD Domain Services), solves this problem by allowing you to create a managed domain in an Azure VM to support traditional authentication methods and features.
Microsoft Entra Domain Services let you implement a managed domain in Azure to provide legacy authentication methods and features. Microsoft Entra Connect allows you to synchronize your on-premises AD users and groups to Microsoft Entra and then synchronize in the cloud from Microsoft Entra to Microsoft Entra Domain Services. You can then deploy a server on your Azure virtual network, install Microsoft Entra Domain Services tools, and connect to the managed domain.
This hybrid deployment model allows on-premises accounts to have the same usernames and passwords as they do in Azure and so delivers a consistent experience for apps, services, and users. Azure takes care of patching and administering the managed domain controller's network resources and synchronization engine and maintaining high availability. Your legacy apps can authenticate against the managed domain, and you can administer an AD DS managed domain using familiar tools like Active Directory Admin Center or MMC snap-ins like DNS or Group Policy.
Special Features of Azure AD
Microsoft Entra provides identity and security management for cloud resources including Microsoft 365, the Azure portal, and various Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications. Microsoft Entra offers a growing list of cloud-based identity and access management features unavailable with on-premises versions of Active Directory. These innovations include:
- Support for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless identity technologies such as FIDO2
- Ability for SaaS apps that support OAuth2, SAML, and WS-* authentication to utilize Azure AD authentication
- Integration with Microsoft Intune for mobile device management and the ability to evaluate mobile device state information during authentication. (On-premises AD requires third-party solutions to support mobile devices.)
- Entitlement management for automating access request workflows, access assignments, reviews, and lifecycles. Entitlement management streamlines at scale the process of managing access to groups, apps, and SharePoint Online sites for internal and external users.
- Azure AD managing roles can be enhanced with Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for just-in-time, time-bound, or workflow-based access to privileged roles. PIM allows you to require approval to activate privileged roles, receive notifications when privileged roles are activated, use justification to understand why users activate privileged roles, and conduct access reviews to determine whether users still need roles.
Progent's Microsoft-certified AD consultants offer expertise in planning, testing, deploying, managing, and debugging Active Directory solutions for Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012 R2. Progent can also help you maintain a legacy edition of Active Directory or migrate efficiently to a modern version. Progent's Microsoft Azure experts can help you design and carry out an efficient migration from an on-premises deployment of Active Directory to cloud-hosted Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) or to a hybrid model that unifies identity management across on-premises and cloud resources. Progent can also provide Cisco-certified network infrastructure engineers to help you enhance the performance and resilience of your network infrastructure. In addition, Progent's CISA, CISM, GIAC, and CISSP certified security professionals can evaluate your enterprise-wide security and compliance and recommend improvements appropriate for a large-scale, multi-site environment.
Online and on-site consulting services available from Progent's Active Directory and Microsoft Azure experts include:
- Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants have extensive experience troubleshooting complex Active Directory issues such as replication problems, multi-domain partition configurations, corrupted AD objects, clean-up of legacy beta software configuration objects in production AD environment, and repair of failed installations of AD and AD-integrated applications. Progent is also skilled in using 'expert only' AD tools such as ADSIEDIT, NTDSUTIL, DCDIAG and NETDIAG.
- Progent can help you deploy Azure AD Connect to implement a hybrid identity solution with Active Directory. Progent can show you when and how to deploy AD Connect for password hash synchronization, pass-through authentication, and Federation integration using your on-premises AD FS infrastructure.
- Progent offers expertise in designing an enterprise Active Directory environment with multiple locations and can deliver fast, efficient solutions for fault tolerant architecture, placement of servers and services, and AD server roles.
- Progent can design and implement an optimal DNS configuration that correctly handles internal, external and remote users.
- To save clients the cost of expensive reconfigurations that may be required as a result of poor initial decisions, Progent can help make key early decisions concerning Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) naming standards, hierarchical model, IT management structure, utilization and structure of Group Policy objects, plus security and auditing definitions. Progent can also anticipate the impacts of server and service configurations on functionality and performance.
- To maximize system robustness and availability, Progent's engineers can help create an Active Directory architecture and provide expert implementation that features enterprise class redundancy, fault tolerance, effective data protection systems, and seamless disaster recovery.
- Progent can diagnose and resolve complex problems concerning workstation, mobile endpoints, and server authentication in an Active Directory or Microsoft Entra environment.
- The specialists in Progent's Experts Team can implement and support applications integrated with Active Directory and Azure AD by providing Microsoft Exchange Server 2019 integration, Microsoft Exchange 2016 planning and deployment, , and Cisco Unified Communications Manager/CallManager expertise.
- Progent can help architect, plan and manage the migration/merging of an acquired entities Active Directory environment into a single AD structure.
- For enhanced security, Progent can provide assistance designing enterprise-wide security policies and procedures and work with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra configuration to implement such policies.
Windows Server 2008 introduced major enhancements to Active Directory including AD Domain Services (formerly AD Directory Services), Lightweight Directory Services (formerly AD Application Mode), Certificate Services, Federation Services, and Rights Management Services. Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have reached the end of their support lifecycle and should be upgraded to a more current Active Directory solution. Progent can help you maintain your existing deployment of Windows Server 2008 with Active Directory, migrate to a modern equivalent of these products, or plan and implement a hybrid deployment that combines on-premises and Azure versions of Active Directory technology.
Contact Progent for Help with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra
If you are looking for expert help in designing, deploying, optimizing or troubleshooting an Active Directory or Microsoft Entra solution, call Progent at
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Specialists Help Desk Sharing
Computer Consultant Extended Service Desk
Progent's Co-managed Help Desk service makes it possible for your business to share responsibilities for Help Desk services transparently between your IT team and Progent's pool of certified desktop support engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs). Progent's Help Desk Co-management service is an advanced service desk solution built around ConnectWise Manage, the leading shared PSA tool for handling end-user service requests, ticket lifecycle, ownership, status tracking, and reporting.
Remote Access Technical Support
Remote Access Remote Support Services
Progent's Cisco Security/VPN professionals and CCIE and CCNP certified experts can help your small or medium sized business integrate and support Cisco's security and VPN technology including routers, switches, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPN access concentrators. Cisco VPN products include both off-site access and site-to-site VPNs with Cisco IOS Software and Advanced Integrated Module hardware encryption cards, and hardware devices, such as a VPN concentrator, router, Cisco PIX Firewall, or task-specific VPN server for dial-up services. Cisco VPN solutions are simple to manage and offer the versatility to expand with your changing business requirements. Progent's Cisco-Premier network experts are familiar with Cisco's complete family of products targeted at eliminating data pilfering, virus and worm outbreaks, DDoS attacks, and other security risks to your network. Progent can help you deploy Cisco products to achieve safe connectivity, intrusion protection, and full Identity services based on Cisco Access Control Server using RADIUS security and TACACS to create a central user access control foundation for user authentication, authorization, and accounting from a graphical Web interface.
SPS Specialists
Windows SharePoint Services Online Consulting
Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can help you rationalize the business justification for implementing SharePoint Server 2007, consult with you on the most appropriate version of SharePoint Portal Server for your application, offer configuration and deployment services, help you to install MS SQL Server as a back-end database manager, optimize your network infrastructure, integrate your standard and custom application software to operate with SharePoint 2007, design a company-wide security strategy that includes portal solutions, and deliver troubleshooting and Help Desk services.
Microsoft and Mac Desktop Network Services
Computer Consultancy Desktop
Progent can deliver a broad array of affordable consulting and support services to assist your business to deploy, integrate, troubleshoot, and administer workstations and laptops based on Microsoft Windows, macOS and OS X, or popular versions of Linux. Progent can provide on-premises or online technical support for individual computers or notebooks or help your business to design and carry out a large-scale rollout of new or revised OS platforms and applications. Progent can also supply consultants and technicians to help you to prepare for and complete a site relocation or merger designed to produce the least possible interruption to your productivity.
Multi-factor Authentication Computer Engineer
MFA and Single Sign-on Professional
Progent's Duo service plans incorporate Cisco's Duo technology to defend against stolen passwords through the use of two-factor authentication. Duo enables single-tap identity confirmation with Apple iOS, Android, and other out-of-band devices.
Cisco and Microsoft Midsize Company Assessment
SMB Small Business IT Consultant
Progent provides technical support for medium size companies with 100 to 250 network users. The medium size company or office has traditionally been an underserved part of the market for IT support services. The cost structures and support delivery models of major third-party service firms make them excessively costly for the typical mid-size business or small medium business (SMB), which usually relies on a modest information technology budget with which to support an IT system whose complexity and sophistication are often comparable to the networks of much bigger enterprises. Progent's service delivery model, which takes full advantage of remote support, virtual network infrastructure and proactive network monitoring, dramatically reduces the IT maintenance expenses of an SMB while providing the small company with enterprise-level service from professional, world-class consultants with background in a broad range of small business technologies. If your mid-sized company or small business is looking for levels of network support appropriate by a medium size organization without budgeting enterprise prices, call Progent.
Specialist Remote Data Backup and Restore Services
After Hours ProSight DPS ECHO Hybrid Cloud Backup Services Network Consultants
ProSight ECHO Data Protection Services from Progent offer small and medium-sized businesses an affordable and fully managed solution for cloud backup/disaster recovery (BDR). ProSight DPS automates and monitors your backup processes and enables fast restoration of vital files, applications and VMs that have become lost or corrupted due to component breakdowns, software glitches, natural disasters, human mistakes, or malware attacks like ransomware. ProSight Data Protection Services can help you protect, recover and restore files, folders, apps, system images, as well as Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware virtual machine images. Critical data can be backed up on the cloud, to an on-premises storage device, or mirrored to both. Progent's disaster recovery specialists can provide advanced support to set up ProSight Data Protection Services to to comply with government and industry regulatory requirements like HIPAA, FIRPA, and PCI and, when necessary, can assist you to recover your critical data.
Cisco Aironet Consultant
Online Troubleshooting Small Business Wireless
Progent's wireless consultants can help small organizations design, select, test, deploy and maintain protected building-to-building wireless bridging products that integrate seamlessly into your IT network while providing a degree of protection that equals or excels wireline connections. Progent provides expertise in wireless LAN/WAN technology from Cisco Aironet and Meraki, Proxim, and other small business wireless providers and can help you identify and install the wireless connectivity solutions that fit best with your business requirements.
Solaris Online Network Companies
Sun Solaris Remote Consultant Services
Progent provides national urgent phone support and troubleshooting services for companies that operate Solaris environments or whose IT systems include a mix of Solaris and Microsoft products. Remote IT help offers maximum return for your information technology budget by protecting user efficiency and limiting the hours charged for network analysis and repair. Advanced online access technology and experienced technicians and engineers allow Progent to handle the majority of IT problems without squandering time and expense by going to your location. In most of cases your IT issues can be remediated by telephone or via a combination of telephone help and online network analysis. Progent can put you in touch with Cisco CCIE network experts and CISSP and ISSAP premier security professionals to assist with the most difficult network issues.
Engineer Microsoft Windows 10
Windows 10 Configuration IT Consultant
Progent's Microsoft-certified consulting experts can assist organizations of any size to assess Windows 10 or to upgrade to Windows 10 from any earlier release of Windows. Remote and on-premises evaluation and upgrade services for Microsoft Windows 10 offered by Progent's experts include Return on Investment analysis, project supervision, application and driver compatibility testing, test lab systems, virtualization strategies, Cloud solutions, mobile device management, teleworker access, security and compliance, automated deployment and administration, network infrastructure design, Wi-Fi support, business continuity planning, webinar training for IT support personnel and end users, and post-migration consulting support.
Design Firms Excel 3D Map
Excel 2016 Desktop Consultant Services
Progent's Microsoft-certified Excel and Office 365 Excel application consultants can provide a broad variety of remote services to assist your organization to design, develop, pilot test, install, manage, and troubleshoot applications based on any release of Microsoft Excel, including Office Excel desktop and Office 365 Excel. Progent can help you to move your existing Excel solutions to the newest versions of Excel, integrate Excel with iOS-based iPhones and iPads and Google Android smartphones and tablets, and resolve compatibility problems between different versions of Office Excel. Progent offers as-needed help to organizations looking for a quick fix to a stubborn problem related to Office Excel and Progent can also provide comprehensive project management support for upgrading or developing mission-critical applications based on Excel. Progent's cost-effective webinar training classes for Excel can be custom tailored to address the special requirements of individuals or teams.
Datacenter Monitoring Online Help
SCOM 2012 Cloud Monitoring Troubleshooting
Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants have over a decade of experience planning, implementing, optimizing and fixing SCOM environments and offer companies of any size expert online or onsite consulting support for System Center 2012 Operations Manager. Progent can assist your company to design a topology for SCOM 2012 servers that provides the responsiveness and resilience required to watch over your IT resources efficiently, whether your infrastructure are onsite, cloud-based, or a mixed environment. Progent's SCOM consultants can also assist you to import and customize System Center 2012 Operations Manager management packs according to industry best practices for monitoring network infrastructure as well as both Microsoft and third-party applications and services. Also, Progent can deliver fast remote or on-premises troubleshooting to help you to fix serious issues uncovered by SCOM 2012.
Microsoft Exchange Cluster Remote Consulting
Mission Critical Environment Professionals
Progent's high availability system experts provide non-stop computing consulting, disaster recovery services, network load balancing, non-stop interoffice access, high-availability Internet connection design, high-availability data center support, and other fault-tolerant operations support to show your small business create a non-stop environment for line-of-business applications. Progent possesses the experience to design economical, 24x7 networks by utilizing the evolving suite of Microsoft Windows Cluster servers including Windows Cluster Server 2003, SQL Server Cluster, and Microsoft Exchange Cluster Server. Progent's Microsoft and Cisco authorized engineers can help you build a fault tolerant mutli-location network with a completely mirrored Internet connection and efficient system load balancing.
Network Design and Configuration Small Offices
Microsoft Certified Expert Small Office Network Service
Progent provides the services of Microsoft and Cisco-Certified IT support professionals to offer clients economical alternatives to help companies maximize the value of Microsoft and Cisco products. For networks that range from small offices to large enterprises, Progent's expert engineers can show you how to improve your network's e-mail infrastructure, protection, availability, performance, and system administration.
Top Rated Microsoft Office Small Business IT Consulting Group
Computer Support Microsoft Office System
Progent imposes no minimum charge and asks no monthly commitment for support services provided during normal working hours. Progent's small granularity avoids big bills for quick solutions so you will not be tempted to permit minor problems to stay unaddressed. .
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