Today, organizations across the globe are undergoing a revolutionary transformation toward cloud adoption. Critical to this metamorphosis is the importance of effective Identity and Access Management strategies—especially in a hybrid cloud environment. However, implementing an effective IAM program is one of the most challenging initiatives for many Chief Information Security Officers, as these solutions are often complex by nature. Many CISOs have seen failures of the various Identity projects carried out earlier, mainly due to a lack of proper tools and strategies.
Identity-as-a-service solutions provide some benefits, including ease of adoption and simple integration with cloud applications. First-generation IDaaS platforms target basic needs, whereas complex business needs require a more holistic solution. Today, to satisfy complex challenges, organizations need to have well-designed IAM programs and best-of-breed cloud IAM platforms. This strategic direction not only lowers total cost of ownership but also enhances security, compliance, and architectural simplicity—a paradigm shift that is demanded from an evolving market place.
IBM is a leader in the Cloud-Transformed Environment
IBM has this in-depth knowledge of the complexities and benefits of moving significant workloads from on-premises infrastructure to cloud environments. Engaging with IBM IAM experts, organizations plan and prioritize key workloads for the move to the cloud and ensure that the integration of the IAM solution can protect users and applications through migration. Researchers have continuously and persistently rated IBM Identity products a leader in Access Management and Identity Governance. What adds to the success of IBM in IAM technologies is its comprehensive strategies for adoption, deployment, and ongoing management across the hybrid cloud environment, thus empowering organizations to embrace their cloud journey with confidence and efficiency.
Introducing IBM Cloud Identity: Empowering Organizations of All Sizes
IBM has a rich history of addressing evolving IAM challenges for our clients. Four years ago, we expanded our IAM portfolio to include a robust IDaaS platform that stands out for its comprehensive Access Management and Identity Governance capabilities. IBM Cloud Identity is our cutting-edge, API-first, and cloud-native IDaaS platform, designed to cater to organizations of all sizes. It is seamlessly scalable, making it an ideal choice for both growing businesses and large enterprises alike.
For instance:
- A prominent municipal education department in the US leverages Cloud Identity to rapidly expand its remote learning environment, facilitating seamless and secure access to educational materials for 2 million students, staff, and parents.
- An international automobile manufacturer relies on Cloud Identity to register and manage all 23 million of its global customers.
- IBM’s own CIO organization utilizes Cloud Identity to support over 34 million customer identities and a workforce exceeding 600,000 employees and contractors.
Innovations in IBM Cloud Identity: Shaping the Future of Identity Management
IBM leads innovation in Cloud Identity with three driving principles that inspire identity transformation:
- Adaptive Access: Cloud Identity goes beyond adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication with large-scale AI-driven technology. It builds deep contextual understanding to determine the level of trust or risk for each user, optimizing security and user experience with no compromise.
- Identity Analytics: In the face of complex identity landscapes challenging risk reduction and compliance enhancement, Cloud Identity delivers a centralized dashboard. This strong, authoritative tool helps security administrators understand priority risks related to identity, as well as make instant actions. AI and machine learning also generate recommendations that better support line-of-business managers’ smarter access decisions to the IT resources of sensitive employees.
- Decentralized Identity: IBM drives the adoption of Decentralized Identity, enabling trusted information sharing in a digital and physical world. Cloud Identity helps developers create and engage with decentralized identity ecosystems, fostering user engagement models not yet possible with traditional IAM. IBM works with organizations, driving the development of emerging interoperability standards that will be essential for the next generation of identity management.
Chris Esemplare, VP and GM of IBM Security Services emphasizes IBM Security Services’ commitment to providing expertise and guidance across various IAM solutions from multiple vendors. He underscores their pride in assisting clients in transitioning to IBM Cloud Identity, offering advanced capabilities in Adaptive Access, Identity Analytics, and Decentralized Identity. With over 2 billion identities managed and a rapidly growing IDaaS solution, IBM possesses the experience, technology, and expertise to tackle clients’ most significant identity challenges now and in the future.
FAQs
1. What are some challenges organizations often face in their IAM projects?
IAM projects are complex because they are deeply embedded and require careful planning. Many CISOs have faced challenges and battle scars from failed projects due to inadequate tools or partnerships.
2. What are some of the benefits of Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) solutions?
IDaaS offers simplified administration, seamless integration with cloud apps, and user-friendly dashboards. However, first-generation solutions may not address advanced business challenges effectively.
3. Why is a best-of-breed Cloud IAM solution important?
A best-of-breed Cloud IAM solution, like IBM Cloud Identity, offers a comprehensive approach to IAM. It serves as a springboard for lower costs, simplified architecture, and enhanced security and compliance.
4. How does IBM assist organizations to migrate to Cloud IAM solutions?
IBM’s IAM professionals help organizations prioritize workloads for cloud migration while ensuring protection for users and apps throughout the transition. IBM Cloud Identity is recognized for its Access Management and Identity Governance capabilities.
5. Can you give examples of organizations that are benefitting from IBM Cloud Identity?
Organizations such as a large US municipal education department and an international automobile manufacturer have successfully utilized IBM Cloud Identity to scale their operations securely.
6. What innovations does IBM Cloud Identity bring to the table in Adaptive Access, Identity Analytics, and Decentralized Identity?
IBM Cloud Identity is powered by AI technology for Adaptive Access, is delivering Identity Analytics for risk reduction and compliance improvement, and supports Decentralized Identity for trusted information exchange.
7. How does IBM Security Services support clients in IAM solutions?
IBM Security Services can offer expertise in various IAM solutions across vendors. They assist clients in migrating to IBM Cloud Identity to protect hybrid cloud workloads and utilize differentiated capabilities.
8. What makes IBM Cloud Identity a trusted choice for managing identities?
With over 2 billion identities managed and exponential growth in IDaaS solutions, IBM possesses the experience, technology, and expertise to address organizations’ identity challenges effectively.
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