When is the Universal Sync selection appropriate to use?

Universal Sync is particularly relevant when dealing with Active Directory-mastered users because it serves as a mechanism for synchronizing user data between Okta and Active Directory (AD). This synchronization ensures that user attributes, group memberships, and other relevant data are consistently updated in Okta based on what's maintained in Active Directory.

In scenarios where organizations rely on Active Directory as the primary source for user identity management, Universal Sync facilitates a more seamless integration. It helps ensure that any changes made in AD—such as user additions, modifications, or deletions—are reflected in Okta without manual intervention. This capability is crucial for maintaining accurate user profiles and ensuring that any policies applied within Okta are based on the most current information from AD.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically relate to the synchronization needs of Active Directory-mastered users. For basic profile integration into Okta, simpler solutions exist that do not require the robust capabilities of Universal Sync. Managing licenses and roles typically involves assignment functionality rather than user data synchronization, and external application access focuses more on authorization and authentication instead of synchronization of user data.