Active Directory is included in each of the Windows 2000 server products. It extends the features of previous Windows-based directory services, and is designed to work well in any size installation, from a single server with hundreds of objects to thousands of servers and millions of objects.

Active Directory provides a single, consistent, open set of interfaces for performing common administrative tasks, such as adding new users, managing printers, and locating resources throughout an enterprise.

Active Directory addresses the following business needs: