MSU funds a Microsoft Windows Active Directory infrastructure for units on campus. By joining the CampusAD domain, units may collaborate with others and securely share resources with other CampusAD users.
The Active Directory authentication system:
- Supports enterprise systems (e.g., file and print servers)
- Provides contact information and scheduling integration
- Offers mechanisms for centralized desktop management.
The purpose of the central CampusAD is to migrate all these environments into a single AD forest to provide university-wide benefits.
About 1,900 accounts adopt CampusAD a year. Units, colleges, and departments who choose to adopt CampusAD for their Active Directory services have the ability to manage their own organization unit (OU). MSU IT uses the Quest ActiveRoles Server (ARS) software for management of OUs offers this tool as part of the CampusAD service.
Benefits
MSU Information Technology provides the Active Directory server infrastructure for units, relieving them from having to provide their own support and maintenance of Domain Controllers.
Additionally CampusAD:
- Reduces overhead costs and resources.
- Provides a foundation for other services
- Improves workstation security.
- Provides business continuity though central backup and restoration services.
- Provides Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) enabling users and systems to securely and privately exchange data through the use of a public and a private cryptographic key pair that is obtained and shared through a trusted authority.
