Microsoft Entra ID, previously known as Azure AD (Active Directory), is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solution. Designed to help organizations of all sizes manage user identities and create an intelligent security perimeter around their cloud and on-premise resources. Microsoft Entra ID or Azure AD is integral to the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystems. It provides a robust set of capabilities to manage users and groups and secure access to applications in a centralized, streamlined manner.
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) is a login system, morphing into a sophisticated identity and access management (IAM) solution for the modern, hybrid workplace. Imagine a single vault for all your digital keys – that's the essence of Entra ID's identity management. It acts as a central repository for user identities, encompassing usernames, passwords, and even additional attributes like department or employee role.
These capabilities enabled simplified administration using a unified platform for adding, modifying, and deleting user accounts. Users no longer need to remember login credentials for a plethora of applications. Entra ID streamlines access by using the same identity across various cloud services and on-premises resources (if integrated). Centralized identity management allows for stricter enforcement of security policies and password complexity requirements across the organization.
Authentication sits at the heart of the solution, ensuring only authorized users gain access to sensitive resources. It employs a multi-pronged approach:
For organizations with on-premises infrastructure, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) offers hybrid identity options. This allows for a smooth integration between on-premises Active Directory and Entra ID, providing a consistent identity for users across both environments. It enables organizations to leverage their existing investments in on-premises infrastructure while taking advantage of cloud scalability and flexibility.
In conclusion, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) is a comprehensive IAM solution that addresses the complex challenges of managing and securing identities in a cloud-centric world. Its blend of ease of use, security, and integration capabilities makes it an essential component of modern IT infrastructure, supporting both operational efficiency and strategic business objectives.
The licensing cost is a bit prohibitive.
Licensing is easy.
The licensing cost is a bit prohibitive.
Licensing is easy.
Okta Workforce Identity is a powerful solution that provides single sign-on capabilities and centralized access control for multiple applications. Its most valuable features include workflows, multiple SSO protocols, and Active Directory integrations. It helps organizations by simplifying access management, improving security with multi-factor authentication, and streamlining user provisioning. It is particularly beneficial for large employers, retail chains, and organizations with a significant number of employees. Okta Workforce Identity is easy to use, scalable, and reliable, making it an essential tool for identity and access management.
License is around US$20,000 annually.
It is costly for large companies.
License is around US$20,000 annually.
It is costly for large companies.
PingFederate is an enterprise federation server that enables user authentication and single sign-on. It serves as a global authentication authority that allows employees, customers and partners to securely access all the applications they need from any device. PingFederate easily integrates with applications across the enterprise, third-party authentication sources, diverse user directories and existing IAM systems, all while supporting current and past versions of identity standards like OAuth, OpenID Connect, SAML and WS-Federation. And it can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, so you can support today’s needs and future-proof your business for tomorrow’s requirements.
Ping offers flexible pricing that's not standardized.
Ping offers flexible pricing that's not standardized.
AWS IAM Identity Center is the recommended service for managing your workforce's access to AWS applications or your multiple AWS accounts (or both). It is a flexible solution that can be used to connect your existing identity source or help you create users in AWS. IAM Identity Center can be used alongside your existing AWS account access configurations.
The product is cheap since it is available on the cloud.
The product is cheap since it is available on the cloud.