Building a new Identity and Access Management (IAM) program is a complex yet worthwhile decision that provides organization-wide benefits, such as enhanced security, compliance, and data privacy. 

A recent study found that 77% of surveyed organizations plan to increase spending on IAM technologies. In addition, the same study discovered that 80% of respondents agree that a new set of IAM technologies and policies are necessary to manage the access of cloud applications, infrastructure, and DevOps tools.

Organizations realize the power of embracing IAM as an enterprise-wide mindset for a better security posture and data protection.

However, it’s easy to end up with the wrong tools, too many technologies, or solutions that don’t align with new policies and objectives. Fortunately, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. 

Working with a qualified partner can help you navigate the sea of IAM-related technologies to help build your new program with tools that meet your needs, solve pain points, and accommodate new policies. Read on to learn how you can find the ideal partner.

How to Find the Perfect IAM Partner

Some IT solutions don’t require working with an integrator or procurement specialist. However, IAM technologies have an organization-wide impact, must integrate with existing applications, and accomplish stated business objectives. As a result, finding the perfect solutions is a complicated process — and that’s where an IAM integrator comes in.

Before we proceed, it’s important to highlight that IAM is not only technologies and tools but an overarching framework involving the right mindset, building new policies and appointing stakeholders.

Your Partner Takes On the RFP Process

The Request for Proposal (RFP) process involves soliciting detailed information from vendors regarding their technologies and solutions. Properly submitting RFPs and evaluating responses requires an in-depth understanding of IAM concepts and exactly what your organization needs.

Your new partner will handle RFPs on your behalf. That’s why choosing a partner with specialized IAM expertise is vital. They’ll already know reputable vendors to contact, how to submit proposals that detail your requirements, and even help secure ideal rates.

Find a Partner That Understands Your Needs

A qualified partner isn’t just helping you find IT tools but understands all the moving pieces to help build your new IAM program. 

You’ll already have defined business objectives by the time you’ve reached this stage. Your new partner will thoroughly understand these objectives and help with the following:

• Domains
• Product selection
• Implementation
• Post-deployment

We’ll discuss post-deployment more below, but for now, remember that IAM is ongoing. You may have a deployment date, but there’s no end date. You need a long-term partnership.

Do You Need Managed Services?

Some organizations will build an internal team to manage IAM. Others, however, will prefer managed services to reduce overhead and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’ll be seeking managed services, find a system integrator that will support you from building your program to post-deployment. You can sidestep detrimental mistakes by opting for managed services over building in-house teams.

Decide which route you’ll pursue before you reach out to partners. If you’re on the fence, let your partners know so they can give you detailed information about both options.

Proven Delivery Expertise

When picking a partner, don’t neglect delivery practices. Prioritize an integrator with a track record of proven delivery expertise. You’ll need a certified partner with the technical expertise, certifications, and a proven delivery methodology.

Delivery should include iterative quality assurance to test interoperability with existing applications, permission mapping, and overall functionality. Depending on your agreement, handoff may include training, documentation, or ongoing support. Evaluate a potential partner’s delivery practices before moving forward.

Post-Deployment: What’s Next?

You’ve found the perfect IT solutions to build out your IAM program, and they’ve been tested and then deployed — what do you do now? Your exact next steps will vary depending on your agreements, but generally, post-deployment involves the following:

• Partner Support: IAM never stops. Your partner will help continually evolve and support your tech stack and program as the industry changes. Better technologies may emerge, existing tools may become obsolete, and your partner will help you stay on top of what’s most effective for your needs.
• New Application Onboarding: The modern enterprise continually adopts new applications as the organization grows and the industry changes. It’s vital to ensure new applications are properly onboarded with your IAM tech stack. Your partner will help evaluate new applications and assist with connecting them properly.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: How will your IAM program change as your organization grows? What if M&A powers your growth? An ideal partner will continually support your growth and accommodate bringing new organizations into your IAM program.
• Legislative Landscape: It’s no secret that regulatory requirements are constantly changing. New laws that affect your organization’s compliance may be enacted. You need a partner ready to help your processes and tools adapt when necessary to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Create Repeatable Business Processes:  Every new application, employee, or promotion involves IAM. Before adopting a new app, do you need to meet with an IAM stakeholder? What identities are new hires assigned in specific roles? How will you map permissions between new systems and IAM? Creating thorough, repeatable processes for common scenarios will help cut down on mistakes and lost time. 

Your partnership doesn’t end with delivery; it’s just the beginning. Your interactions may be less frequent, but you’ll likely need ongoing support. So keep the long-term view in mind when deciding on your IAM partner.

Looking for an IAM Partner? Indigo Consulting Can Help

Embracing IAM provides the enterprise with potent benefits, but you need the right technologies to realize them fully. Choosing the right integrator to build your tech stack is vital to the overall success of your IAM program.

Indigo Consulting continually helps organizations get started with IAM and provides ongoing post-deployment support as they grow. Ready to begin finding the perfect IAM solutions for your new program? Reach out today to speak with our IAM experts to get started.