Describe Microsoft Entra concepts
To implement Microsoft Entra ID in your corporate configuration, you need to understand the key components of the service. The following table describes the main components and concepts of Microsoft Entra ID and explains how they work together to support service features.
| Entra ID concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Identity | An identity is an object that can be authenticated. The identity can be a user with a username and password. Identities can also be applications or other servers that require authentication by using secret keys or certificates. Microsoft Entra ID is the underlying product that provides the identity service. |
| Account | An account is an identity that has data associated with it. To have an account, you must first have a valid identity. You can't have an account without an identity. |
| Microsoft Entra account | A Microsoft Entra ID account_ is an identity that's created through Microsoft Entra ID or another Microsoft cloud service, such as Microsoft 365. Identities are stored in Microsoft Entra ID and are accessible to your organization's cloud service subscriptions. The Microsoft Entra account is also called a work or school account. |
| Azure tenant (directory) | An Azure tenant is a single dedicated and trusted instance of Microsoft Entra ID. Each tenant (also called a directory) represents a single organization. When your organization signs up for a Microsoft cloud service subscription, a new tenant is automatically created. Because each tenant is a dedicated and trusted instance of Microsoft Entra ID, you can create multiple tenants or instances. |
| Azure subscription | An Azure subscription is used to pay for Azure cloud services. Each subscription is joined to a single tenant. You can have multiple subscriptions. |
Tip
If you're a Microsoft 365, Azure, or Dynamics CRM Online customer, you might already be using Microsoft Entra ID! Every Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics CRM tenant is already a Microsoft Entra tenant. You can start using your tenant to manage access to thousands of other cloud apps that integrate with Microsoft Entra ID.