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What's New in AD FS in Windows Server 2008

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

You can use Active Directory® Federation Services (AD FS) to create a highly extensible, Internet-scalable, and secure identity access solution that can operate across multiple platforms, including both Windows and non-Windows environments. This topic provides an overview of the improvements in AD FS. For details about the improvements, see Active Directory Federation Services Role.

Overview of the improvements in AD FS

For Windows Server® 2008, AD FS includes new functionality that was not available in Windows Server 2003 R2. This new functionality is designed to ease administrative overhead and to further extend support for key applications:

  • Improved installation: AD FS is included in Windows Server 2008 as a server role, and there are new server validation checks in the installation wizard.

  • Improved application support: AD FS is more tightly integrated with Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server 2007 and Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS).

  • A better administrative experience when you establish federated trusts: Improved trust policy import and export functionality helps to minimize partner-based configuration issues that are commonly associated with federated trust establishment.