Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK vs. Microsoft Azure PowerShell usage scenario and differences?

Question

Can someone please clarify and comment on the differences between these two modules/SDKs?

I would greatly appreciate any assistance in explaining this matter.

__Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK____Microsoft Azure PowerShell__Can be used to manage users, groups, and built-in Azure Role management.Usage ScenarioCan be used to manage users, groups, and built-in Azure Role management.No need to specify or connect through each of the Azure Subscriptions as the impact or changes will be across all Azure Subscriptions to where the particular user has access.Scope of ImpactMust specify or connect through each of the Azure Subscriptions as the impact or changes will be limited to where the current Azure subscription context.

Answer 1

Hello @EnterpriseArchitect

Thank you for reaching out. I would like to share following details with you with regards to each PowerShell SDK.

Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK:

• Use Case and Functionality: The Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK is designed specifically for interacting with the Microsoft Graph API, which is the unified REST API that integrates with Microsoft 365 services, including Azure Active Directory, SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and more. It allows you to access and manage data and resources across various Microsoft 365 services through a consistent API interface.
• Scope: The focus of this SDK is on enabling automation, scripting, and management tasks related to Microsoft 365/Azure AD services, particularly for tasks that require cross-service integration.

Microsoft Azure PowerShell SDK:

• Use Case and Functionality: The Microsoft Azure PowerShell SDK is aimed at managing resources and services within the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It provides cmdlets (command-line tools) that allow you to interact with and manage Azure resources, such as virtual machines, storage accounts, networks, web apps, databases, and more.
• Scope: The primary objective of this SDK is to facilitate the automation and management of Azure resources and configurations, making it easier for administrators and developers to work with Azure services through PowerShell.

In summary, the key difference lies in the services they are designed to interact with:

• Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK is focused on managing Microsoft 365 and Azure AD services through the Microsoft Graph API, providing integration across various services in the Microsoft 365 and Azure AD.
• Microsoft Azure PowerShell SDK is designed for managing resources and services specifically within the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

Depending on your needs, you may choose the appropriate SDK. If you're working primarily with Microsoft 365 services, the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK would be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, if your tasks involve provisioning, configuring, and managing Azure cloud resources, then the Microsoft Azure PowerShell SDK would be the one to use.

I hope this helps and answers your query. Please "Accept the answer" if the information helped you. This will help us and others in the community as well.