RDS Custom for SQL Server now supports Windows Authentication

Amazon RDS Custom for SQL Server now supports Windows Authentication, allowing you to use your existing Active Directory to manage access to your RDS Custom databases. This feature provides flexibility, as you can join your RDS Custom for SQL Server DB instance to either an AWS Managed Microsoft Active Directory (AD) or a AD managed by customers.

With AWS Managed Microsoft AD and Self-Managed AD domains, you can use both Kerberos and NTLM authentication protocols to connect to your RDS Custom instance. This enables you to centrally manage user identities and permissions across your on-premises and cloud-based SQL Server environments.

RDS Custom for SQL Server is a managed database service that gives you the flexibility to customize the underlying operating system and install your own SQL Server software. The new Windows Authentication feature allows you to create SQL Server logins for your Active Directory users and groups, providing a familiar authentication experience for your domain-joined applications and users. This helps simplify identity management and ensures consistent security controls across your hybrid database deployments.

The Windows Authentication capability for RDS Custom for SQL Server is available in all commercial AWS Regions where RDS Custom is offered. To get started, you can use the AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory or your own Self-Managed AD to set up the domain and connect it to your RDS Custom instance.

To learn more, see the documentation on Setting Windows Authentication for RDS Custom for SQL Server instances.