Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant for Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS)[1] named IBM a Visionary for Cloud Identity Service for its innovative approach to cloud-based IAM technology, methodology and delivery.

IBM has invested in Cloud Identity Service as a critical component of the organization’s integrated security portfolio. It boasts unique features unmatched in the IDaaS market, including deep overall functionality, robust identity governance and administration capabilities, breadth of resources and global presence.

IDaaS With Premium IGA Features

The report concluded that “vendors delivering deeper functionality for IGA (identity governance and administration) and legacy application support, including niche vendors, may be best for IAM leaders’ needs.”

IBM feels this is in line with Cloud Identity Service’s overall differentiation in the marketplace, since the service includes premium IGA features such as automated role life cycle management across heterogeneous identity repositories, approval workflow, and access certification and recertification.

IDaaS With Single Sign-On and Advanced Reporting

Beyond having access to more advanced IGA capabilities, clients also enjoy using Cloud Identity Service for web single sign-on to internal web applications and federated single sign-on to external SaaS and private third-party applications. The Cloud Identity Service centrally monitors and audits all events handled by the service and provides clients with powerful ad-hoc reporting capabilities from a single console screen.

IDaaS for Organizations of All Sizes

Cloud Identity Service also stands out in the cloud IAM market for its longevity and overall viability. IBM’s commitment to IDaaS is underscored by its investments and market leadership positions in both Security and Cloud.

Cloud Identity Service’s success and agility in the IDaaS market has been driven by its ability to be implemented in both SMBs and Fortune 10 organizations. Because both large enterprises and small firms have access to a full stack of premium IAM features, which can be turned on or off on demand, Cloud Identity Service is uniquely positioned to meet clients’ evolving IDaaS needs resulting from a variety of use cases and organizational expansion.

Which vendor is right for you? Read the ‘Cloud IAM Buyer’s Guide’ to find out


[1] Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Identity and Access Management as a Service, Worldwide, Gregg Kreizman, Neil Wynne, Published: 6 June 2016.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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