What are some alternatives to Okta?

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>In this new world of remote working and cloud enterprises, Identity and Access Management (IAM) has been thrust to the fore. It’s almost as if the economy now relies on agile and automated IAM systems to enable rapid and seamless digital transformation.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Okta is the leading player in the area of IAM, and has made major strides forward in the field by harnessing artificial intelligence, and thus going beyond merely using the password and other <a href=”https://www.akku.work/product/multi-factor-authentication.html”>multi-factor authentication</a> options.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Okta has several advantages such as its security, scalability, and simplicity. But cost-wise, Okta works better for larger enterprises and can prove to be quite expensive for smaller organizations.</span>

<b><i>Though Okta is a popular choice, that doesn’t mean it is your only option. There are several other options out there for enterprises looking to go the IAM way, each with its own advantages. </i></b>

<b><i>Some of these alternatives include Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), OneLogin, and Akku for instance and we’re going to give you the lowdown on each of them.</i></b>
<h3><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>1. Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)</span></h3>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Developed by Microsoft, ADFS is a <a href=”https://www.akku.work/product/single-sign-on.html”>Single Sign-On (SSO)</a> solution and is a component of Windows Server operating systems.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>ADFS is preferred by many enterprises as it is perceived to be more stringent on privacy issues when compared to other tech majors; and more convenient as most enterprises use Windows Active Directory (AD) for user management already, meaning there is no environment change if you are adding on ADFS.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>But like with Okta, initial costs are high, and there are hidden infrastructure and maintenance costs as well. For instance, commissioning ADFS requires a Windows Server license, which comes at a cost. </span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Also, ADFS tends to be complex and needs substantial technical know-how to use properly. Commissioning, configuring, and maintaining an ADFS solution is time-consuming and customer support too, though free, is not very user-friendly. </span>
<h3><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>2. OneLogin</span></h3>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>OneLogin, another market leader, brings to the table secure, one-click access, through all device types. Advantages are that OneLogin comes pre-integrated with over 4000 apps, offers multiple language options, and integrates with popular directories such as Active Directory (AD) and G Suite, thereby offering flexibility for growing businesses. </span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>But like with Okta and ADFS, here too, pricing can be steep for smaller enterprises. It is also complex to use and though it integrates with AD, it offers limited analytics on the admin console, user support time is not ideal, and adding new apps can be tricky.</span>
<h3><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>3. Akku</span></h3>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Akku (yes, that’s us) is an emerging player in the Asia Pacific region. While it comes with all IAM features, it has been developed specifically keeping the needs of small and medium sized businesses in mind. It is therefore ideal for teams of 10-300 people and companies looking for high ROI and responsive support. </span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>So, if you are a smaller enterprise, a fast-growing start-up, or a business in any industry where value for money is an important consideration, Akku presents a sensible option. Another advantage here would be that it provides enterprises with complete control over data access and privacy on the cloud while staying compliant with statutory standards.</span>

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Akku isn’t a one size fits all option and because of the bespoke nature of the solution, it takes more time than Okta to purchase and set up. But once you are all set up, it is simple to use, and offers all the IAM functionalities you will need at a fraction of the cost of the other options listed here.</span>

<i><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>So, there are options out there for IAM beyond Okta. And while a strong IAM strategy is integral to productivity and security, you’ve got to choose one that fits your requirements and your budget. If you are a small or medium-sized business looking for an IAM solution, with an eye on customization, <a href=”https://www.akku.work/contact-us.html”>contact</a> Akku today.</span></i>