About this Constellation ShortList™

Cloud identity & access management (Cloud IAM) has become the obvious option for enterprise logon for all but the biggest enterprises. Drivers for the Cloud IAM category include security, scale, ease of admin, elasticity, and the rich authentication functions on offer.

Cloud IAM revolutionized enterprise identity management, getting new employees online quicker, improving security and compliance, making MFA readily available, and outsourcing the help desk (trouble shooting employee logon is the most time-consuming aspect of any tech support).

This category saw significant consolidation since the most recent ShortList update. After acquiring Ping Identity in 2022, private equity firm Thoma Bravo went on to buy ForgeRock in August 2023, merging it into the Ping brand.

The strongest trend in IAM is the adoption of fine-grained verifiable credentials deployed in device-bound mobile wallets. Standards and APIs are emerging for loading wallets and presenting credentials. Keep an eye on emerging verifiable credential networks that will transform the traditional credential bureau market from plastic cards to digital wallets.

Threshold Criteria

Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:

  • Administration of user onboarding and provisioning 
  • Account life-cycle management 
  • Cryptographic multifactor authentication 
  • Support for verifiable credentials and digital wallets 
  • FIDO Alliance support 
  • Security 
  • Commitment to standards and contribution to standards development

Identity management and authentication are rapidly evolving fields with huge potential to transform workflows through verifiable credentials and digital presentation. Constellation looks for vendors active in the standards community, committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

The Constellation ShortList™

Constellation evaluates more than 25 solutions categorized in this market. This Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share and internal research.

  • APPLE
  • GOOGLE
  • MICROSOFT
  • OKTA
  • PING IDENTITY

Frequency of Evaluation

Each Constellation ShortList is updated at least once per year. Updates may occur after six months if deemed necessary.

Evaluation Services

Constellation clients can work with the analyst and the research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.

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