A IMPORTÂNCIA DOS CONTROLADORES DE DOMÍNIO EM AMBIENTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS: UMA ANÁLISE TÉCNICA E ESTRATÉGICA

Abstract

The increasing complexity of information technology infrastructure in Brazilian public universities has demanded efficient solutions for managing users, devices, and network resources. In this context, the absence of centralized control can compromise the security, standardization, and governance of institutional systems. Given this scenario, this study aims to analyze the importance of domain controllers, with an emphasis on Active Directory (AD), in university environments. The methodology adopted was based on an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research approach, grounded in a literature review and documentary analysis of technical, academic, and regulatory sources. The study examined the functionalities, applications, and benefits of adopting a domain controller, highlighting aspects such as centralized authentication, enforcement of security policies, automation of administrative tasks, and improved resource management. The analysis showed that the use of domain controllers, when properly planned and maintained, significantly contributes to operational efficiency, the integrity of institutional data, and compliance with current regulations such as the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD). It is concluded that the adoption of this technology is strategic for higher education institutions, especially those with broad and distributed environments. The need for institutional IT policies that encourage the implementation and proper use of centralized management solutions is evident, aligning infrastructure, security, and quality of services provided.