What are some alternatives to Okta?
Published: 2021-12-07 05:35:14

In this new world of remote working and cloud enterprises, [Identity and Access Management (IAM)] (https://www.akku.work/) 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.

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 [multi-factor authentication] (https://www.akku.work/product/multi-factor-authentication.html) options.

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.

**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.** 

**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.**

**1.Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)**

Developed by Microsoft, ADFS is a [Single Sign-On (SSO)] (https://www.akku.work/product/single-sign-on.html) solution and is a component of Windows Server operating systems.

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.

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. 

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.

**2.OneLogin**

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. 

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.

**3.Akku**

Akku (yes, that’s us) is an emerging player in the Asia Pacific region. While it comes with all [IAM features] (https://www.akku.work/), 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. 

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.

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] (https://www.akku.work/) you will need at a fraction of the cost of the other options listed here.

So, there are options out there for IAM beyond Okta. And while a strong [IAM strategy] (https://www.akku.work/) 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] (https://www.akku.work/), with an eye on customization, [contact] (https://www.akku.work/contact-us.html) Akku today.

This blog originally published at [Akku Blog] (https://www.akku.work/blog/). Link to the [original blog] (https://www.akku.work/blog/what-are-some-alternatives-to-okta/)