# Best Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software - Page 10 *By [Brandon Summers-Miller](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/brandon-summers-miller)* Identity and access management (IAM) software helps companies protect their systems from unauthorized access or misuse by only allowing authenticated, authorized users (typically employees, based on job roles) to access specific, protected company systems and data. IT administrators leverage the software to quickly provision, deprovision, and change user identities and the corresponding user access rights at scale. IAM software authenticates users, provides access to systems and data based on company policies, tracks user activity, and provides reporting tools to ensure employees are in compliance with company policies and regulations. Many IAM solutions include single sign-on (SSO) and password manager features. For employees, once users authenticate by signing into their accounts or using other multi-factor authentication methods, they are granted limited access to company systems allowed by their user type to complete their typical job functions. Additionally, many IAM products are now being integrated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) features. These AI features allow IAM products to automate routine tasks that can be cumbersome for IT and InfoSec teams while predicting identity-related misconfigurations and recommending various access controls. IAM software differs from [privileged access management (PAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/privileged-access-management-pam). IAM software is used to authorize, authenticate, and grant specific access to everyday users, such as company employees. However, PAM software is used to provide administrative or superusers with granular access to business-critical assets and privileged credentials. IAM software also differs from [customer identity and access management (CIAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-identity-and-access-management-ciam), which provides a company’s customers, as opposed to employees, with secured access to customer applications. To qualify for inclusion in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) category, a product must: - Provision and deprovision user identities - Assign access based on individual role, group membership, and other factors - Enforce user access rights based on permissions - Verify user identity with authentication, which may include multi-factor authentication methods - Integrate with directories that house employee data ## Top Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (1,305 reviews) | SSO and lifecycle automation across SaaS apps | "[Okta Makes IAM and SSO Seamless with Strong, Easy-to-Deploy MFA](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/okta-review-13109287)" | | 2 | [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (3,896 reviews) | Cross-platform device and identity unification | "[All-in-One Access and Device Management That Saves Time](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/jumpcloud-review-12977315)" | | 3 | [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (873 reviews) | Hybrid identity with Microsoft 365 SSO | "[Entra ID P2 Makes Conditional Access and Security Policies Easy to Configure](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/microsoft-entra-id-review-12889489)" | | 4 | [AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-identity-and-access-management-iam/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (153 reviews) | Fine-grained AWS resource permissions at scale | "[Granular and scalable access control with AWS IAM](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/aws-identity-and-access-management-iam-review-12610078)" | | 5 | [Google Cloud Identity & Access Management (IAM)](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-identity-access-management-iam/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (56 reviews) | Role-based GCP resource access with workload identity | "[Strong, Flexible Access Control and Auditability with Google Cloud IAM](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-cloud-identity-access-management-iam-review-12224469)" | | 6 | [Rippling IT](https://www.g2.com/products/rippling-it/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (1,051 reviews) | HR-driven SSO and automated access provisioning | "[IT provisioning and app access made completely painless for everyday employees.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/rippling-it-review-13035351)" | | 7 | [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (500 reviews) | Push-based MFA for remote access workflows | "[Effortless Security Compliance with Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/cisco-duo-review-12676028)" | | 8 | [AWS Vertrified Access](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-vertrified-access/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (37 reviews) | VPN-free application access with zero-trust policies | "[Strong Security and Controlled Access for Our AWS-Hosted PMS](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/aws-vertrified-access-review-12246958)" | | 9 | [IBM Verify CIAM](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-verify-ciam/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (177 reviews) | Customer identity with adaptive risk-based authentication | "[Low-Code Identity Orchestration with Smart Adaptive Risk and Legacy Integration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ibm-verify-ciam-review-12900550)" | | 10 | [Oracle Identity Cloud Service](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-identity-cloud-service/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (28 reviews) | Oracle-native SSO and centralized identity provisioning | "[Oracle IDCS offers a comprehensive suite for identity governance, single sign-on (SSO).](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/oracle-identity-cloud-service-review-11701165)" | --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? *AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026* ### Which identity access app is best for enterprises? Based on G2 reviews, [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) stands out for enterprise identity access needs because reviewers repeatedly describe centralized single sign-on, broad integrations, and strong support for onboarding, offboarding, and access policy standardization. According to verified users, it helps teams reduce password fatigue, manage access across many applications, and strengthen security with MFA and conditional access. G2 reviewers mention that it is especially useful in environments with many connected tools and employee lifecycle workflows. At the same time, reviews note tradeoffs such as setup complexity, advanced integration work, and cost growth in larger deployments, so buyers should weigh ease of administration against breadth of capability. ### What is the best IAM solution for mid-sized tech companies? Based on G2 reviews, mid-sized tech companies often look for a balance of centralized identity control, automation, and manageable administration. According to verified users, Okta is frequently praised for single sign-on, MFA, lifecycle automation, and broad app integrations that help reduce manual provisioning work. G2 reviewers mention that JumpCloud is also valued where device management and identity need to work together, especially for mixed operating system environments. Reviewers also note that Microsoft Entra ID fits organizations already centered on Microsoft services and group-based access management. Across products, users consistently call out tradeoffs around setup complexity, support responsiveness, and scaling costs, so the right fit depends on whether integration breadth, device control, or ecosystem alignment matters most. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – centralized SSO, MFA, and provisioning for teams managing many cloud apps - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – combines identity and device management for growing mixed-OS environments - [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews/microsoft-entra-id-review-12792709) – strong fit for mid-sized teams using Microsoft apps, groups, and conditional access ### What is the most reliable identity access app for startups? Based on G2 reviews, reliability in this category usually comes down to smooth authentication, easy onboarding, and minimal day-to-day friction. According to verified users, Okta is often described as dependable for centralizing application access, reducing password sprawl, and supporting secure logins across many tools. G2 reviewers mention that startups also value products that are simple to implement and do not require heavy manual administration, which is why options like JumpCloud and Auth0 appear in review themes for growing teams. Reviews also show that buyers should watch for session timeout frustrations, integration complexity, and pricing changes as usage grows. For startup teams, the most reliable option is often the one that stays easy to manage as headcount and application count increase. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – reliable SSO hub for startups that need centralized access across business apps - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – supports startup teams that need both identity and device management in one place - [Auth0](https://www.g2.com/products/auth0/reviews/auth0-review-12849763) – popular for startups building secure customer or employee authentication into products ### What is the top identity management service for startups? Based on G2 reviews, startup buyers usually prioritize fast setup, low operational overhead, and room to grow into stronger controls later. According to verified users, Okta is often highlighted for centralizing app access, automating onboarding, and reducing password fatigue, while JumpCloud is repeatedly mentioned for combining identity and device management in a single admin experience. G2 reviewers mention that Auth0 is valued when startups need developer-friendly authentication for applications and customer-facing use cases. Reviews across these products also point to tradeoffs, including admin learning curves, advanced configuration work, and expanding costs over time. For startups, the best service is typically the one that matches current complexity without creating migration pain when security requirements become more advanced. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – helps startup teams centralize app access and automate employee lifecycle tasks - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – strong for startups needing one platform for identities, devices, and access - [Auth0](https://www.g2.com/products/auth0/reviews/auth0-review-12849763) – supports fast rollout of secure login, SSO, and MFA for modern apps ### What is the leading identity and access management platform? Based on G2 reviews, buyers most often describe leading IAM platforms as those that centralize authentication, support broad integrations, and simplify provisioning across many applications. According to verified users, Okta is repeatedly mentioned for single sign-on, MFA, onboarding and offboarding automation, and a clean access experience across distributed work environments. G2 reviewers mention that strong contenders like Microsoft Entra ID and JumpCloud are also recognized for ecosystem alignment and device-aware identity management, but review volume and breadth of use cases most consistently point to Okta in this dataset. Reviewers do note challenges with configuration depth and cost scaling, yet it is still commonly viewed as a leading platform for organizations needing mature IAM capabilities. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – enterprise-focused IAM with strong SSO, MFA, and lifecycle automation coverage - [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews/microsoft-entra-id-review-12792709) – centralized identity and access control for Microsoft-heavy organizations - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – combines identity, access, and endpoint management for distributed IT teams ### Which IAM platform is best for managing user roles? Based on G2 reviews, [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) is the strongest fit in this dataset for managing user roles because reviewers consistently point to centralized provisioning, group-based access handling, and smoother onboarding and offboarding workflows. According to verified users, it helps IT teams control permissions across many connected tools while reducing manual account work. G2 reviewers mention role and access administration in the context of enterprise apps, recruitment systems, and internal software access, with visibility and automation being recurring benefits. Reviews also caution that more advanced setups can require technical expertise, especially for custom integrations or policy troubleshooting, but the overall feedback suggests it is highly effective for structured role management at scale. ### What is the best identity management tool with multi-factor authentication? Based on G2 reviews, products in this category are most valued when MFA strengthens security without creating excessive login friction. According to verified users, Okta is often praised for pairing MFA with centralized single sign-on and user provisioning, while Cisco Duo is repeatedly highlighted for easy push-based authentication and device trust capabilities. G2 reviewers mention Microsoft Entra ID as another strong option where MFA is part of a broader identity and access workflow tied to groups, conditional access, and Microsoft services. Across reviews, users emphasize smoother secure login experiences, stronger protection against unauthorized access, and easier policy enforcement. They also note possible downsides such as push delays, interface complexity, or pricing tradeoffs depending on deployment scope. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – combines MFA with centralized SSO and lifecycle management across work apps - [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews/cisco-duo-review-12827583) – strong choice for push-based MFA, device visibility, and remote access protection - [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews/microsoft-entra-id-review-12792709) – integrates MFA with conditional access and identity controls in Microsoft environments ### What is the best IAM software for securing remote workforces? Based on G2 reviews, organizations securing remote teams need a mix of centralized access, MFA, and visibility into who can reach which systems from where. According to verified users, Okta is frequently praised for secure access across cloud apps, simplified offboarding, and reduced password friction for distributed staff. G2 reviewers mention JumpCloud for organizations that want identity and device management together, especially when remote endpoints span multiple operating systems. Cisco Duo also appears in reviews focused on remote access, phishing resistance, and device-aware authentication. Across these products, reviewers consistently value stronger control over remote logins, smoother onboarding for distributed hires, and better confidence that access can be revoked quickly when roles change. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – secures remote app access with centralized SSO, MFA, and user lifecycle controls - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – supports remote work with combined identity, device, and policy management - [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews/cisco-duo-review-12827583) – helps protect remote logins with MFA, device checks, and VPN integration ### What is the best IAM software for small businesses? Based on G2 reviews, small businesses usually need IAM software that is easy to learn, simple to deploy, and secure enough to reduce manual password and access work. According to verified users, JumpCloud is often seen as a practical fit for smaller teams because it combines user access, device management, and centralized administration in one platform. G2 reviewers mention Okta as strong for centralized SSO and provisioning, though several reviews also point out that costs can rise for smaller organizations. Microsoft Entra ID is valued where the Microsoft ecosystem is already central, especially for group-based access and secure sign-ins. Overall, reviews suggest the best choice depends on whether simplicity, ecosystem fit, or device management is most important. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews/jumpcloud-review-12864493) – all-in-one identity and device management for smaller teams with limited IT resources - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – centralized SSO and MFA for small businesses standardizing app access - [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews/microsoft-entra-id-review-12792709) – useful for small businesses already relying on Microsoft apps and groups ### What is the best-reviewed IAM service for corporate environments? Based on G2 reviews, corporate buyers consistently describe Okta as a strong IAM service for larger, more structured environments because it brings together single sign-on, MFA, provisioning, and broad application support in one place. According to verified users, it helps organizations standardize access controls, speed up onboarding and offboarding, and give employees a simpler path into the tools they use most. G2 reviewers mention corporate use cases such as recruitment systems, enterprise apps, internal dashboards, and access auditing, all supported through a centralized identity layer. Reviews also mention drawbacks like administrative complexity in advanced environments and rising licensing costs, but overall the product is repeatedly viewed as one of the best-reviewed choices for corporate IAM needs. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews/okta-review-12838881) – built for corporate access standardization, app integrations, and secure lifecycle management ## G2 Grid® for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software ![G2 Grid® for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=633&focus%5B%5D=36316&focus%5B%5D=3899&focus%5B%5D=20164&focus%5B%5D=21375&focus%5B%5D=1640029&focus%5B%5D=5282&focus%5B%5D=1308836) Highlighted products: Okta, JumpCloud, Microsoft Entra ID, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Google Cloud Identity & Access Management (IAM), Rippling IT, Cisco Duo, and AWS Vertrified Access. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=okta&focus%5B%5D=jumpcloud&focus%5B%5D=microsoft-entra-id&focus%5B%5D=aws-identity-and-access-management-iam&focus%5B%5D=google-cloud-identity-access-management-iam&focus%5B%5D=rippling-it&focus%5B%5D=cisco-duo&focus%5B%5D=aws-vertrified-access) ## How Many Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 219 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.46/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Willow AI Governance Control Plane (+6.58%) - Among all products in this category, Willow AI Governance Control Plane recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 21, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 25,700+ Authentic Reviews - 219+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Descope](https://www.g2.com/products/descope/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Rippling IT](https://www.g2.com/products/rippling-it/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Hire2Retire RoboMQ’s Hire2Retire is an Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solution designed to manage the complete workforce lifecycle, encompassing joiners, movers, and leavers (JML) events such as hiring, role changes, department transfers, terminations, and long-term leaves. This solution effectively bridges the gap between HR systems and IT infrastructure by synchronizing identity data with platforms like Active Directory (AD), Entra ID, Okta, and Google Workspace. By ensuring that user access and privileges are consistently aligned with their roles within the organization, Hire2Retire enhances overall operational efficiency. Targeted primarily at mid to large, fast-growing organizations, Hire2Retire addresses the challenges associated with manual and fragmented lifecycle management processes. Traditional methods of onboarding and offboarding can be slow, error-prone, and resource-intensive, often leading to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and diminished employee experiences. By automating these processes, Hire2Retire not only streamlines operations but also significantly reduces operational overhead, allowing organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives. One of the standout features of Hire2Retire is its extensive integration capabilities. With connections to 27 HR and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), major identity providers, and over 10 leading service management platforms such as ServiceNow, Salesforce, SolarWinds, and FreshService, the solution enables seamless identity orchestration. Its robust library of connectors allows for the automatic provisioning and deprovisioning of access to third-party applications based on profile-driven entitlements, making it a scalable and flexible IGA solution that adapts to the needs of modern enterprises. From a governance and security standpoint, Hire2Retire enforces role-based access control and continuously aligns user privileges with their job functions. This ensures that employees have the right level of access at all times, reducing the risk of over-provisioning. Additionally, timely deprovisioning during terminations or role changes helps prevent unauthorized access, protecting the organization from potential security breaches and reputational risks. Hire2Retire supports organizational compliance with key regulatory frameworks and standards including SOX, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR, providing complete audit trails for every identity lifecycle event. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=paid_promo&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=257&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-22T18%3A25%3A48Z&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=168476&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=257&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=llm_category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fidentity-and-access-management-iam%3Fpage%3D10&secure%5Btoken%5D=2538cb6db8de05251a9fbb3cfd906d256e61bbf41ceceb2afc53e21ddf852450&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.robomq.io%2Fproducts%2Fhire2retire%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos) --- ## What Is Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? [Identity Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-management) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? - [Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/single-sign-on-sso) - [User Provisioning and Governance Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-provisioning-and-governance-tools) - [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multi-factor-authentication-mfa) - [Risk-Based Authentication Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/risk-based-authentication-rba) - [Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-identity-and-access-management-ciam) - [Privileged Access Management (PAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/privileged-access-management-pam) - [Passwordless Authentication Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/passwordless-authentication) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? ### What You Should Know About Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software ### What is Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? Companies use identity and access management (IAM) software to both enforce their security controls regarding who has access to corporate assets and to promote worker productivity with ease of access to the tools they need to do their jobs. IAM software achieves this by allowing only authorized and authenticated users, such as employees, contractors, and devices, to access corporate resources at their appropriate permission level based on predetermined policy-based controls.  Using IAM software, company administrators can quickly provision, deprovision, or change user identities and access rights to corporate assets at scale. Each user is granted the right level of access permissions based on their user or group membership type. This makes it easier for security teams to manage who has access to what accounts at scale, and for end users to quickly gain access to the tools they need to do their jobs instead of waiting for their individual accounts to be provisioned one by one. For example, a newly promoted departmental leader at a company may need permissions to fully access the proprietary data stored within an application. This can easily be granted to them due to their management group membership, while a junior-level employee would not need that kind of granular access, so they would only be permissioned to view non sensitive data stored within the application. IAM software also tracks user activity, enabling administrators to confirm that users are accessing corporate assets in compliance with company policies. Using IAM software and utilizing policy-based controls to enforce least privilege strategies, companies can protect against unauthorized access from both external actors like hackers and non permissioned internal users (insider threats) who have insufficient access level permissions. IAM software is used as an important component of a company’s zero-trust, least-privilege security model, where all users’ identities are verified prior to granting access to corporate resources. This is different from prior security models that enforced perimeter security where once a user is inside the corporate network, they are granted free access and movement across the network, and not required to be authenticated again to use other applications. **What Does IAM Stand For?** IAM, sometimes also listed as IdAM, stands for identity and access management. IAM software is sometimes also referred to as workforce identity or employee identity management. Other acronyms related to IAM include CIAM for [customer identity and access management (CIAM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-identity-and-access-management-ciam)software which is used for customer-related identity management. Similarly, for government-related identity products, the acronym ICAM stands for Identity, credential, and access management. Another acronym, IDaaS, stands for identity as a service. ### What are the Common Features of Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? The following are some core features within IAM software: **Authentication:** IAM providers offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods for users to prove their identity prior to being granted access to corporate resources. MFA requires more than a single authentication factor, such as only a username and password. Authentication factors can include one-time passcodes (OTPs), software tokens, mobile-push, hardware tokens, and more. More advanced authentication methods include biometric authentication and passwordless authentication.  More recently, IAM providers are utilizing risk-based authentication (RBA) methods, also known as contextual authentication, intelligent MFA, or adaptive MFA, which analyzes real-time information about users, such as their IP addresses, devices, and behaviors to continually verify their identity.  **Identity lifecycle management or user provisioning and deprovisioning:** IAM software providers offer administrators the ability to manage the lifecycle of an identity—from quickly provisioning to deprovisioning, along with user changes including attributes, roles, permissions, and other entitlements. Some IAM providers also offer a universal directory. **Directory:** IAM providers will either integrate with existing directory providers or offer a universal directory service. **Single sign-on (SSO):** IAM software provides SSO functionality to enable end users to access their business applications all in one place and requiring them to authenticate once. **User activity monitoring:** IAM software enables administrators to track user activity, including anomalous activity. This kind of auditing is to ensure compliance with secure access control policies. IAM solutions often provide standard reports for this. ### What are the Benefits of Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? **Security:** The main benefit of implementing identity and access manager software is for improved security. IAM software manages access governance, allowing only verified, authorized, and permissioned users to access company assets. This helps mitigate risks from external hackers or insider threats. **Productivity or enabling the workforce:** In addition to improved security, companies that deploy IAM software to streamline the login experience, may lead to productivity gains with users. Having a simple to use security product with SSO requiring only one login and that also organizes the user’s corporate applications and accounts all in one place can save the user time and frustration.  **Regulatory compliance:** Many global governmental or industry regulations require companies to have security controls to be in place. Identity management is a major component of a well-rounded information security program. ### Who Uses Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? **Information security (infosec) professionals:** Infosec professionals use IAM software as a foundational component of their security program. **IT Administrators:** IT admins may be responsible for managing IAM software, especially as it relates to provisioning and deprovisioning users. **End users and devices:** End users such as employees or contractors use IAM software in their day-to-day work activities to access corporate assets needed to do their jobs. Devices such as internet of things (IoT) devices require the validity of their identity in order to access corporate resources, including other IoT devices. ### What are the Alternatives to Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software? Alternatives to IAM solutions can replace this type of software, either partially or completely include: [Single sign-on (SSO) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/single-sign-on-sso): SSO software, which is a component of a complete IAM software solution, is an authentication tool that allows users to sign into multiple applications or databases with a single set of credentials. SSO software will not have identity governance and user lifecycle management features that an IAM solution would provide. [Multi-factor authentication (MFA) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multi-factor-authentication-mfa): MFA, which is a component of a complete IAM software solution, is used to have users prove their identity in two or more ways before granting them access privileges to corporate accounts. There are many types of authentication factors above the standard single factor of login credentials like usernames and passwords, including something the user has like a mobile device or security token, something the user is, such as a scan of their faceprint or fingerprint, or somewhere the user is, like their geographical location and IP address. Newer forms of MFA include risk-based authentication and passwordless authentication. [Password manager software](https://www.g2.com/categories/password-manager): Password manager software, or password management software, stores a user's individual passwords through either an encrypted vault downloaded to a user’s computer or mobile device, or digitally through browser plugins or extensions. The passwords stored in this software are managed by the user, not by a corporate administrator. #### Software Related to Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Related solutions that can be used together with IAM software include many types of [identity management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-management): [Customer identity and access management (CIAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-identity-and-access-management-ciam) **:** CIAM software is similar to IAM software, but used for customer identities instead of workforce identities like employees, contractors, and corporate devices.  [Privileged access management (PAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/privileged-access-management-pam) **:** PAM software helps companies protect the most critical IT resources by ensuring the credentials of their privileged accounts, such as admin accounts are only accessed by those with proper permissions to do so. When users access these privileged accounts, they must check in and check out and are often monitored during the time they are using the privileged account. PAM solutions are used in conjunction with IAM software, which provides authentication of general user identities; PAM software, however, provides more granular control and visibility of administrative or privileged user identities.  [User provisioning and governance tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-provisioning-and-governance-tools) **:** User provisioning and governance tools enable companies to manage user account identities throughout their lifecycle, including provisioning and deprovisioning. These solutions are often deployed on-premises, but many tools are offering cloud-based solutions, as well.  [Cloud directory services software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-directory-services) **:** Similar to user provisioning and governance tools, cloud directory services software enables companies to manage user identities throughout their lifecycle, including provisioning and deprovisioning, in a cloud-deployed manner. Companies use these tools as they transition away from traditional on premises or locally operating identity management software to cloud services and SaaS applications.  ### Challenges with Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Identity management solutions and IAM systems can come with their own set of challenges.  **Policy and group management:** Managing corporate access policies and group management is a company policy-related issue, not necessarily a technical one. It can get overwhelming for IAM administrators when companies have undefined or even conflicting policies as to which users have access to what resources. Administrators may be asked by leadership to provide users with much higher levels of access than their policy or group access control would normally allow, thus introducing risks into the environment. **Identity for cloud vs. on-premises applications:** Depending on the company’s technology stack, businesses may have a mix of both on-premises and cloud-based applications and resources. Companies must ensure that their IAM solution has connectors to the types of systems they need support for, especially for hybrid IT environments. **Insufficient MFA methods:** It is important that the MFA component of the identity program is strong to prevent unauthorized use which can lead to data breaches. Many IAM providers are moving away from less secure MFA methods, such as email one-time-passcodes to stronger authentication methods like risk-based authentication or contextual authentication. ### How to Buy Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software When gathering and prioritizing the company's requirements, it is important to consider the following factors. **Ease for end users:** In order for IAM software to be effective, end users have to actually use it. The IAM solution must be easy to use by the end user and become part of their everyday routine.  **Authentication methods:** Are there limitations on the types of authentication factors that the company’s employees, contractors, and devices can use? For example, employees may be able to use authentication methods such as hardware tokens and biometrics, while temporary contractors might rely on in-app mobile pushes or OTPs sent via email, SMS, or phone. Additionally, if employees in a manufacturing facility or healthcare unit cannot carry a mobile phone with them, authentication factors requiring a mobile device may not be suitable. **Regional considerations** : Is the company global? Does the IAM solution need to support multiple languages, use cases, and adhere to local data protection regulations? Businesses must ensure the IAM provider can accommodate the company’s geographic and regional-based needs. **Integrations** : Companies should determine which integrations are important to them. The most critical integration would likely be the user directory solution, such as an HR system, if a directory is not provided by or being used within the IAM solution. **Timeline:** The company must decide how quickly they need to implement the solution. **Level of support** : Buyers should know if they require high-quality support or if they prefer implementing the solution in house. #### Compare Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Products **Create a long list** There are many providers of IAM software. The best way to begin narrowing the search for products that would work well for the company would be to start by company segment size, such as small, medium, or enterprise-size businesses. By visiting the [Identity and Access Management (IAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam) page on G2.com, buyers can filter solutions by market segment using the left-hand filter radio buttons. **Create a short list** After looking through IAM solutions for particular company size, buyers should ensure it meets the authentication and regional needs. If a specific language is a requirement, buyers can filter solutions by language by visiting the [Identity and Access Management (IAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam) page on G2.com. For other requirements, such as how easy it is to use, the “[Easiest to use](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam?tab=easiest_to_use)” section of the Identity and Access Management (IAM) software page on G2 helps compare options. Users can further narrow the selection by reading user reviews, checking the product’s ranking on the [G2 Grid® report for the Identity and Access Management (IAM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam#grid)software category, and reading other related IAM-related [resources](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources). **Conduct demos** At each demo, buyers must be sure to ask the same questions and use case scenarios to best evaluate each product. Potential buyers can contact many vendors directly on g2.com to request demos by selecting the “Get a quote” button.  #### Selection of Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software **Choose a selection team** The selection team should include the day-to-day administrator of this product, who is likely an information security or related cybersecurity professional or an IT administrator professional. Companies may also consider having someone from HR join the selection committee to provide context regarding new hire onboarding and employee offboarding, as it relates to the user provisioning or deprovisioning aspect of IAM software. And lastly, it is important to include a typical day-to-day end user to ensure that the end user experience is easy to use and can be widely adopted by the workforce. **Negotiation** When negotiating the contract, buyers must consider pricing, implementation, and support. Typically longer length contracts and larger license counts can improve price discounting.  **Final decision** The final decision maker should likely be the day-to-day administrator of the solution, likely an information security professional or an IT administrator professional, with input from other stakeholders on the selection team. Prior to purchasing an IAM solution, buyers should check if they can get a trial period to test with a small number of users before going all in on the product. If the tool is well received by end users and administrators, businesses can feel more confident in their purchase. ### Which IAM platform is best for managing user roles? When choosing an IAM platform that's best for managing user roles, I would consider some of these popular IAM platforms: - [Salesforce Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/salesforce-platform/reviews) - [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) - [OneLogin](https://www.g2.com/products/onelogin/reviews) These platforms are known for their robust features and efficient management of user roles. ### What is the best identity management tool with multi-factor authentication? If you're seeking identity management tools with multi-factor authentication, here are some top options to consider: - [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews): excels with its risk-based conditional access that can dynamically require different authentication factors based on login patterns, device health, and location signals. - [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews): provides a cloud-based directory platform that manages user identities, devices, and access across various systems. It supports multiple operating systems and offers features like SSO, MFA, and device management, catering well to hybrid and remote work environments. - [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews): offers robust identity management features, including single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It’s highly scalable and integrates well with various applications