Microsoft DNS Server
DNS Server role in Windows Server.
Overview
Microsoft DNS Server is a core component of Windows Server that provides DNS services for network infrastructure. It is tightly integrated with Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), making it the standard choice for name resolution in Windows-based enterprise environments. It provides both authoritative and recursive DNS capabilities and is managed through the DNS Manager console or PowerShell.
✨ Key Features
- Integration with Active Directory
- Authoritative and Caching (Recursive) DNS
- DNS Policies for traffic management
- DNSSEC Support
- Dynamic DNS (DDNS) updates
- Zone Scopes for granular control
- Managed via GUI (DNS Manager) and PowerShell
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Seamless, unparalleled integration with Active Directory
- Simplified management for Windows administrators through familiar tools
- Included with the Windows Server operating system license
Unique Value: Provides a deeply integrated, easy-to-manage, and secure DNS solution for any organization using Active Directory.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Core DNS for Active Directory environments
- Internal corporate name resolution
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Organizations looking for a high-performance, global Anycast network for public-facing DNS without deploying their own infrastructure.
🏆 Alternatives
For Windows environments, its native integration with Active Directory provides replication and security benefits that are difficult and complex to achieve with third-party or open-source DNS servers.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Microsoft Support Contract tier)
💰 Pricing
✓ 180-day free trial
Free tier: Included as a role within a licensed Windows Server.
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