Active Directory Administrative Center

New for Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 is the AD admin center (part of the Windows 7 RSAT). A UI based on PowerShell, ADAC provides a slightly richer experience over the MMC-based ADUC. Object-related tasks are clearly visibly, object properties are consolidated in a single flowing pane, multiple domains can be seamlessly managed, and new query abilities make up some of the major improvements.

All aspects of a computer or user object can be managed from one intuitive interface, although a majority of the tabbed extensions still exist in the new pane. Account, Org, Member of, and profile were broken out separately.

Another nice feature is that you can quickly view many advanced details about an object such as last log on, SIDs, USNs, and GUIDs.

Filtering allows administrators to perform searches through the directory to quickly determine many details such as disabled or locked accounts, accounts that haven’t logged on in x days, etc.

I’m not sure I’m ready to give up ADUC just yet for ADAC but I’ll keep playing to possibly uncover additional value.