How to Avoid 5 Mistakes While Choosing the Right Identity Brokerage for Your B2B SaaS
Tags: cybersecurity, identitymanagement, passwordless, b2bsaas
Published: 2023-04-28 20:52:58

In today’s digital age, businesses are increasingly relying on online identities to manage their operations. However, the exchange of identity information between different systems can be a complex and challenging process. This is where identity brokerage comes in. An identity broker acts as an intermediary service that connects multiple service providers with different identity providers, facilitating the exchange of identity information.

As a B2B SaaS provider, choosing the right identity broker is crucial to ensuring the security and privacy of your users' identities. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to know which identity brokerage service to choose.

## **What is Identity Brokerage**

Identity brokering is an essential aspect of managing online identities, especially in today’s digital age where multiple service providers and identity providers are involved. An identity broker acts as an intermediary service that connects various service providers and identity providers, facilitating the exchange of identity information.

To ensure the integrity and confidentiality of user identities, identity providers rely on specific protocols that are used to authenticate, authorize, and communicate. These protocols can be complex and challenging to understand and implement, such as SAML, OAuth, OpenID, and CAS. However, with an identity broker, there is no need for service providers to have an in-depth understanding of these protocols.

One of the significant advantages of using an identity broker is that it supports cross-protocol configuration. This means that a service provider following a specific protocol can be configured with an identity provider following a different protocol, without any complications.

## **What difference between Identity brokering service and Identity access management**

Identity brokering and identity access management (IAM) are related but distinct concepts in the field of identity and access management.

Identity brokering is the process of connecting multiple service providers with different identity providers, allowing the exchange of identity information between them. The role of an identity broker is to facilitate this exchange and establish trust between the parties involved. Identity brokering is primarily concerned with the exchange and management of identity information between different systems.

In contrast, identity access management (IAM) is the practice of controlling access to resources within a system by managing the identities and permissions of users. IAM is focused on ensuring that users have appropriate access to resources within a system, while also enforcing security policies and compliance requirements. IAM systems typically include functionality such as user provisioning, role-based access control, authentication, and authorization.

While identity brokering and IAM may seem similar, they serve different purposes in managing identities and access to resources. Identity brokering is a more general term that refers to the exchange of identity information between different systems, while IAM is a more specific term that refers to the management of user access within a single system.

## **5 Mistakes While Choosing the Right Identity Brokerage for Your B2B SaaS**

When choosing an IAM solution for B2B, consider factors such as security, scalability, flexibility, compliance, ease of use, integration capabilities, support for multi-cloud environments, cost-effectiveness, user experience, and vendor reputation. Prioritize security and scalability, and ensure that the solution aligns with your organization’s specific requirements and regulatory compliance needs. Look for a solution that can integrate with your existing IT infrastructure and provide a seamless user experience. Finally, evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the solution and the vendor’s reputation for customer support and service.

However, choosing the right Identity Brokerage for your B2B SaaS platform can be challenging. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve outlined five mistakes to watch for when selecting an Identity Brokerage service.

**Mistake #1:** Not Assessing Your Organization’s Needs
Before diving into the selection process, it’s crucial to understand your organization’s unique IAM requirements. Start by identifying your stakeholders, such as customers, employees, and partners. Next, consider the types of applications and services your users will need to access. Finally, evaluate your organization’s security and compliance requirements.

By understanding your organization’s specific needs, you can narrow down the list of potential Identity Brokerage services and make an informed decision.

**Mistake #2:** Overlooking Integration Capabilities
While Identity Brokerage services are designed to integrate with various identity and service providers, it’s essential to verify that the service you select is compatible with your existing systems. Ensure that the Identity Brokerage service supports the protocols and standards required by your organization, such as SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect.

Additionally, consider the ease of integration with your existing applications and services. A seamless integration process will save your organization time and resources, and ensure a smooth user experience.

**Mistake #3:** Ignoring Scalability
As your B2B SaaS platform grows, your IAM needs will evolve. To avoid investing in a solution that becomes obsolete, choose an Identity Brokerage service that can scale with your organization. This means selecting a service that can handle a growing number of users, applications, and services without compromising performance or security.

Look for an Identity Brokerage service that offers flexible pricing plans, allowing you to scale up or down as needed. Additionally, consider the service’s ability to support multi-tenancy, which enables you to manage multiple organizations or customers within a single platform.

**Mistake #4:** Neglecting Security and Compliance
Security is paramount when it comes to IAM, and it should be a top priority when evaluating Identity Brokerage services. Look for a service that offers robust security features, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and token-based authentication.

Additionally, ensure that the Identity Brokerage service complies with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. This will not only help protect your organization from potential breaches but also demonstrate your commitment to security and privacy to your customers and partners.

**Mistake #5:** Focusing Solely on Price
While cost is an essential factor to consider, it should not be the only deciding factor when choosing an Identity Brokerage service. A cheaper service may not offer the necessary features, security, or scalability for your organization, leading to additional expenses in the long run.

Instead, focus on the total value the Identity Brokerage service can provide for your organization. Consider factors such as ease of use, integration capabilities, security features, compliance, and the level of customer support offered.


## **Conclusion**

Choosing the right Identity Brokerage service for your B2B SaaS platform is a critical decision that can impact your organization’s security, user experience, and scalability. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can select a service that meets your organization’s unique IAM needs and helps you grow and succeed in today’s competitive market.