In an age where data breaches and cybersecurity threats are on the rise, managing and securing user identities, and their access to applications, systems and critical assets has become paramount for organizations of all sizes. Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) plays a crucial role in this regard, helping businesses streamline and automate access management, enforce policies, and ensure compliance.
From large global firms to specialized firms/boutique, managed services are offered by several. Not all firms and their offerings are equal, and neither is every client situation.
When choosing Identity Governance Administration (IGA) solutions, like Saviynt, SailPoint, Omada, organizations lay the foundation for robust cybersecurity. The critical decision often comes down to how to manage these investments effectively. Clients stand at a crossroads, deliberating whether to rely on in-house staff, opt for the standard approach of a large corporation, or place trust in a boutique consulting firm with specialized expertise. Several factors guide this decision-making process, including the critical need for specialized knowledge and a tailored approach to IGA user lifecycle and governance management. Boutique firms can offer personalized attention, agility, cost-effectiveness, and deep expertise, making them a compelling choice in the complex and ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity. The decision, in the end, hinges on the organization's unique needs and the desire for a customized approach to security. The following sections discuss what to consider when selecting Managed Service for IGA Solutions Saviynt, SailPoint and others.
Benefits of Identity Governance Managed Services and What To Look into a Provider
1. Specialized Expertise: There are several options to choose as managed service provider – from very large corporations to a boutique firm. In today’s market, several boutiques have roots in large firms with their founders and key staff have experienced with wider range or industry experience. Look for a firm that has depth in subject vs. only the size of the firm. Boutique firms focus exclusively on areas like IGA and information security. Their specialization ensures that you receive the guidance and solutions from experts who understand the nuances of your specific needs. Their tailored approach can lead to more effective strategies and implementations.
2. Cookie Cutter Approach Is Not Good: No two IGA implementations are same. Likewise, managed service cannot be a cookie cutter approach with old school matrix driven price. For to be successful, partner with a company who can provide customized approach that is addressing your specific needs. The cost differential should be a decision point, but saving now could result in large spend in future. Focus on building enduring relationships that are rooted in outcomes and satisfaction based approach.
3. Cost Efficiency: Implementing and maintaining an in-house IGA solution can be expensive, with costs for hardware, software licenses, personnel, and ongoing training. Managed services offer a cost-effective alternative by providing a predictable monthly fee, reducing the financial burden and allow opex budget planning
4. Expertise and Experience: Managed service providers employ teams of experts with in-depth knowledge of IGA solutions. They stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that your organization's IGA strategy is always current and compliant.
5. Scalability: As your organization grows, so does the complexity of identity management. Managed services can easily scale to accommodate changing needs, ensuring that you have the necessary resources and capabilities to manage an expanding user base.
6. Reduced Downtime: Service providers prioritize system uptime and reliability, minimizing the risk of disruptions that can result from system failures or misconfiguration. This translates to increased productivity and reduced operational headaches.
7. IGA Managed Services are for Small to Large Enterprise: Smaller organizations often lack dedicated IT resources, making managing identity governance solutions a critical gap. IGA Managed Service is crucial for efficient, cost-effective, and scalable identity management, safeguarding the digital assets just like larger enterprises.
8. Personalized Attention: Don’t be just another number in a long line and get into the decision making only on sales pitch. For getting successful outcome, personalization and responsiveness are important. Boutique firms pride themselves on individual client relationships. Select a firm who can give you personalized attention, offer direct access to seasoned experts who are committed to addressing your unique concerns and where you're not just a client; you're a valued collaborator in securing your organization's future.
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions to avoid with or without Managed Service
While Identity Governance Managed Services offer numerous advantages, organizations can still fall into some common traps that result in in a longer run the existing solution fails to leave up to its expectations.
1. Lack of Proper Planning: Some organizations assume that managed services are a one-size-fits-all solution and can do operations, implementations and more. They may fail to plan adequately for their specific identity management needs, leading to misaligned strategies and unmet expectations.
2. Overlooking Compliance: Unless the managed services providers have included compliance, organizations must ensure that their chosen approach aligns with their specific regulatory requirements and they are adequately ready to meet the compliance. Ignoring and not planning for budget, staff and competency can result in costly non-compliance issues.
3. Managed Services does not negate the need for User Training: Managed services may alleviate some operational burdens, but organizations still need to train their IT Staff to use the system effectively and likewise ensure ongoing organizational change management to target and keep end-user trained. Neglecting user training can lead to inefficiencies and security gaps.
4. It's Not Set-and-Forget: Managed services require ongoing collaboration and communication with the managed service provider. Organizations that assume they can simply hand off the responsibility without continuous involvement may find themselves disappointed with the results.
5. Underestimating Implementations: While managed services driver may be reducing cost and use a provider who can provide elasticity in managing their IGA investment, organizations with ongoing application onboarding, enhancement and new requirements may need additional implementation services that may not be budgeted in managed service. Ignoring this aspect can lead to suboptimal identity management and lack of implementation specific expertise resulting in long term gaps.
Conclusion
Identity Governance Managed Services offer significant benefits in terms of cost efficiency, expertise, scalability, and security. However, organizations must approach them with clear goals, a commitment to compliance, and an understanding that they are still responsible for certain aspects of identity management. By avoiding common pitfalls and misconceptions, businesses can harness the power of these services to protect their sensitive data, streamline access management, and ensure long-term success in an increasingly digital world.
How CredenceIA Can Help?
CredenceIA offers Identity Governance (IGA) implementation, planning and managed services solutions to help organizations balance efficiency and effectiveness in managing their existing IGA implementation. We understand that choosing a managed service provider for IAM, IGA and information security needs is not a decision to be taken lightly. By partnering with a specialized firm like CredenceIA, our clients get personalized attention, agility, cost-effective solutions, and deep expertise. Your organization's security is not a one-size-fits-all matter, and neither should your service provider be. Contact us today to experience the CredenceIA difference.