Alternative to Microsoft Active Directory with Nubus by Univention

The Challenge: Future-Proof Identity Management Without Being Forced Into Microsoft’s Cloud

Many organizations, especially in the public sector, are facing a major challenge: with Entra ID, Microsoft is pushing its cloud-first strategy as the central identity platform. While Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) continues to be supported, the clear focus is on the cloud.

However, for government bodies and municipal administrations, this often means increased pressure to choose solutions that align with data protection regulations and compliance requirements.

Especially in a time when digital sovereignty plays a key role, many administrations need a solution that can be operated on-premises or in a private cloud. Yet, the number of viable alternatives to traditional Active Directory is steadily shrinking.

Many organizations are left asking:

01.

How can our identity management remain independent of the cloud in the long term?

02.

Which alternative offers the security and flexibility we need?

03.

How can we avoid a forced transition without sacrificing efficiency?

The Solution: Nubus Identity & Access Management

With Nubus, you have a solution that gives you back control over your identity management – entirely without being forced into the cloud. You keep your identities exactly where you need them: in your own infrastructure. Nubus offers a flexible Identity & Access Management (IAM) solution that can be operated fully on-premises, in a private cloud, or in a hybrid model. This allows you to stay independent of Microsoft’s cloud strategy while giving you the flexibility to shape your IT environment in a future-proof way.

In addition, Nubus provides an efficient, user-friendly working environment, enabling your employees to access all relevant applications with just one login – securely and centrally. That makes Nubus the ideal solution to take your identity management to the next level, without compromising on security or flexibility.

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Your Benefits With Nubus

Data Sovereignty & Data Protection: Full control over identity and access data, without dependency on cloud providers.
Flexible Integration: Thanks to open interfaces and modular architecture, Nubus integrates seamlessly into existing systems.
Highest Security Standards: Open-source technology and BSI basic protection compliance ensure maximum security.
Future-Proof: A sustainable, independent IAM solution that grows with your organization.

Deployment at Your Pace: Kubernetes or Virtual Machine

With Nubus, you decide how to deploy your solution. Thanks to our well-thought-out integration options, getting started is especially easy – without the need to completely rebuild your existing environment.

Kubernetes Deployment – For Maximum Scalability
Deployment via Kubernetes is ideal for organizations with growing IT demands. Nubus scales dynamically, distributes load automatically, and remains highly available. This creates a powerful and fail-safe environment for demanding applications.

Virtual Machine – For a Simple Start
Nubus can also be operated quickly and easily as a virtual machine, even without Kubernetes expertise. Through Active Directory integration, it can be seamlessly embedded into existing structures. This makes it an ideal option for organizations looking to get started without major migration efforts.

Whether flexible with Kubernetes or straightforward via virtual machine – Nubus fits perfectly into your existing IT landscape.

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Reference openDesk: Successfully Integrated Into the Context of Digital Public Administration

openDesk is the new web-based workplace for public administration – developed on behalf of the federal government and coordinated by the Zentrum für Digitale Souveränität (ZenDiS). As a central component, our Identity & Access Management Univention Nubus ensures secure and convenient access to all applications via single sign-on and centralized user management.

With standardized interfaces, self-services, and Kubernetes-based operation, Nubus enables flexible, scalable, and GDPR-compliant integration into modern IT infrastructures in public administration. In doing so, we make a valuable contribution to digital sovereignty and help reduce the workload of IT departments.

Our Success
in Numbers

35 M

Managed Identities
> 14 K

Organizations Use Our Solutions
> 20 Years

Experience in OSS

Step by Step Into the Future – Kubernetes at Your Pace

You may see Kubernetes as a challenge, but with Nubus, there’s no need for an immediate switch. Our solution enables a smooth transition, allowing you to migrate to Kubernetes step by step – entirely at your own pace and based on your needs.

Our Professional Services team supports you along the way, helping you find the best entry point for your organization. This ensures that no critical steps are overlooked while you begin to benefit from Kubernetes for greater IT scalability and flexibility.

Take this opportunity to preserve your digital sovereignty without the pressure of an immediate move to the cloud. With Nubus, you remain independent, ensure the highest level of data security, and retain full control over your identity and access data.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Nubus as an Alternative to Microsoft Active Directory

What is the main difference between Nubus and Microsoft Active Directory?

Nubus offers a flexible, cloud-independent solution for Identity & Access Management that can be operated entirely on-premises, in a private cloud, or in a hybrid model. Microsoft Active Directory is closely tied to Microsoft’s cloud services (Azure AD) and requires deeper integration into the Microsoft infrastructure.

What advantages does Nubus offer over Microsoft Active Directory in terms of data protection?

Nubus places great emphasis on data protection and digital sovereignty. As an open-source solution, it enables full control over identity and access data. It meets the highest data protection standards, including GDPR. Microsoft Active Directory is generally more closely tied to cloud-based solutions, which may raise concerns about data sovereignty for some organizations.

Can I implement Nubus without in-depth Kubernetes knowledge?

Yes, Nubus offers two deployment options: a simple virtual machine option and a Kubernetes option for greater scalability and flexibility. The Kubernetes deployment is intended for organizations with high scalability needs, but you can also start with the virtual machine without requiring in-depth Kubernetes knowledge.

How flexible is Nubus when integrating into existing IT systems?

Nubus offers a modular architecture and open interfaces (APIs), allowing seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure. Whether it’s Single Sign-on (SSO), LDAP, or other authentication systems, Nubus can be easily adapted to your specific requirements and systems.

Can I build a hybrid infrastructure with Nubus?

Yes, with Nubus you can build a hybrid infrastructure that operates both on-premises and in a private cloud. This means you can maintain control over your IT systems while benefiting from the flexibility of modern cloud infrastructures.

How does Nubus help meet compliance requirements such as GDPR?

Nubus is designed from the ground up to meet the requirements of the GDPR and other data protection regulations. By retaining full control over the storage and processing of identity data, Nubus ensures that your organization complies with all relevant regulations—without needing to transfer data to external cloud environments.

How does support for Nubus differ from Microsoft Active Directory?

Nubus offers both community support and professional support through Univention. Thanks to its open-source nature, you can benefit from an active community that contributes to ongoing development. Microsoft AD also offers support, but it typically depends on paid service plans and official channels.

Does Nubus offer a free version or trial?

Yes, Nubus offers a free Core Edition and trial options, allowing you to test the solution and see how it integrates within your organization before committing to a paid version.

Can Nubus be integrated with other open-source solutions?

Absolutely! As an open-source solution, Nubus is designed to integrate seamlessly with other open-source software solutions and platforms, enabling a complete and flexible IT infrastructure.

How scalable is Nubus compared to Microsoft Active Directory?

Nubus is highly scalable and offers various deployment options that can be tailored to your needs. While Microsoft Active Directory is also scalable, it typically requires additional licensing and greater dependency on Microsoft cloud services for larger deployments. Nubus, by contrast, offers full flexibility without dependency on a specific provider.

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