Deploying NetScaler as an ADFS Proxy vs Deploying NLBs with ADFS Proxy (WAPs) vs ADFS with SQL Server Merge Replication

Enabling seamless authentication for Office 365 use cases

Recently, more enterprises are migrating to a cloud-based application deployment model such as Microsoft Office 365.

When migrating to the cloud, enterprises want to ensure the user experience does not change. However, seamless access to services hosted outside the enterprise data center requires a new component in app deployment design. No one wants the Active Directory password to travel on the wire outside the data center. Therefore, federation becomes a natural and proven alternative. Referring to primarily to Microsoft services, Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) is the solution you are looking for. The ADFS security token service extends the single sign-on, (SSO) experience for Active Directory-authenticated clients to resources outside the enterprise data center.

ADFS Proxy Deployment

Packet flow of how the ADFS proxy helps with external user access: