Active Directory projects are rarely one-size-fits-all. Whether you are consolidating environments, modernizing infrastructure, or preparing for Microsoft 365 and AI-driven workloads, selecting the right directory tool has a direct impact on project risk, effort, and outcomes.
MigrationWiz customers have access to two powerful but purpose-built options for Active Directory work: MigrationWiz Active Directory and PowerSyncPro Directory Sync. While both tools operate in the identity layer, they are designed for different migration scenarios and operational goals. Understanding their strengths will help you align the right tool to the right project.
MigrationWiz Active Directory: Object-Based Directory Migrations
MigrationWiz Active Directory is optimized for structured directory migrations where the goal is to move directory objects cleanly between environments.
Key strengths
- Migrates directory objects and SID History, including:
- Users
- Groups
- Computer objects
- Printer objects
- SID History for users and groups
- Supports to and from Local Active Directory ↔ Entra ID migrations
- Designed for project-based, one-time migrations
- Familiar MigrationWiz workflow with repeatable runs and reporting
Best-fit scenarios
MigrationWiz Active Directory is best positioned when:
- You are migrating or consolidating domains
- You need to relocate directory structure to a new tenant or forest
- The focus is on identity and object continuity
- Workstations will be rebuilt, replaced, or handled separately
- You want a controlled, auditable directory cutover
This tool excels when Active Directory itself is the migration deliverable.
PowerSyncPro Directory Sync: Ongoing Identity Synchronization
PowerSyncPro Directory Sync is designed for coexistence, synchronization, and transition scenarios, where identities must stay aligned across environments over time.
Key strengths
- Continuous synchronization of users, groups, and attributes
- Enables hybrid or phased migrations
- Ideal for complex or extended transitions
- Supports identity alignment across:
- On-premises Active Directory
- Entra ID
- Multiple tenants
- Often paired with PowerSyncPro Migration Agent for endpoint transitions
Best-fit scenarios
PowerSyncPro Directory Sync is best positioned when:
- You need coexistence between source and destination environments
- Migrations will occur over weeks or months
- Users must remain active in both environments during transition
- You are planning a workstation or profile migration
- Identity consistency is required for apps, policies, and access controls
This tool excels when identity is part of an ongoing operational strategy, not just a migration milestone.
Migration vs. Synchronization: A Practical Decision Framework
A simple way to decide:
- Use MigrationWiz Active Directory if:
- You are moving directory objects as part of a defined migration event
- You want a clean break from the source directory
- Endpoint work is out of scope or handled separately
- Use PowerSyncPro Directory Sync if:
- You need identities synchronized during a phased migration
- Workstations and user profiles will transition gradually
- Coexistence and minimal disruption are top priorities
In many real-world projects, particularly MSP-led Microsoft 365 consolidations, these tools are designed for different phases and objectives.
Building a Modern Identity Strategy
As organizations modernize their technology stacks to support Zero Trust security models and AI-enabled Microsoft 365 capabilities, identity becomes the foundation. Whether you are executing a clean directory migration or managing a complex, multi-phase transition, choosing the right Active Directory tool upfront reduces rework, risk, and end-user disruption.
MigrationWiz Active Directory and PowerSyncPro Directory Sync each address specific challenges in that journey. The key is aligning the tool to the project objective, not forcing the project to fit the tool.
For MSPs and internal IT teams alike, that alignment is what drives more predictable, successful migrations.