B2B Direct Connect is a Microsoft Entra External ID mode based on mutual trust between organizations, used by specific cross-tenant collaboration scenarios.
Simple definition
B2B Direct Connect is a Microsoft Entra External ID mode based on mutual trust between organizations, used by specific cross-tenant collaboration scenarios. It belongs to the Microsoft 365 / Entra / Intune vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to enable direct cross-tenant access when both organizations explicitly configure inbound and outbound trust. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
Both tenants must enable B2B Direct Connect through cross-tenant access settings. The relationship differs from the classic B2B collaboration guest-account model.
Key points
- Scope: A Microsoft Entra External ID mode based on mutual trust between organizations, used by specific cross-tenant collaboration scenarios.
- Operational goal: Enable direct cross-tenant access when both organizations explicitly configure inbound and outbound trust.
- Implementation: Both tenants must enable B2B Direct Connect through cross-tenant access settings. The relationship differs from the classic B2B collaboration guest-account model.
Points to watch
Trust must be configured on both sides and limited to required users, groups, and applications; document responsibilities between tenants.
In short
B2B Direct Connect = a Microsoft Entra External ID mode based on mutual trust between organizations, used by specific cross-tenant collaboration scenarios. Use it when you need to enable direct cross-tenant access when both organizations explicitly configure inbound and outbound trust.