It's clear that Microsoft, with the decline of the desktop market reducing their vice-like grip on the platform, are actively trying to ensure that all computing takes place in *their* cloud. That's why they're killing desktop apps - to tie people into Azure. This is a good antidote: https://www.zdnet.com/article/with-microsoft-dumping-ms-office-consider-libreoffice-for-your-next-pc-office-suite/
If you (inevitably) find that you're being "strongly encouraged" (not to say held over a barrel) by Microsoft to use Active Directory "in the Cloud" then you can be sure you're being chained to Azure... & you will not ever escape it. I advise that you run before that happens. If you don't realise you have options other than AD, you need to do some research or find better IT advisors.
