Azure Active Directory vs Forgerock Identity: What are the differences?

Introduction: In the realm of identity and access management, both Azure Active Directory and Forgerock Identity are key players. Here, we outline the key differences between these two solutions in the market today.

1. Integration Capabilities: Azure Active Directory offers seamless integration with other Microsoft services like Office 365 and Azure, making it ideal for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. On the other hand, Forgerock Identity provides more flexibility in integration with a wide range of third-party applications and systems, making it suitable for organizations with diverse IT environments.

2. Customization and Extensibility: Forgerock Identity offers extensive customization and extensibility options through its OpenIDM platform, enabling organizations to tailor the identity solution to their specific needs. Azure Active Directory, while also offering customization features, may have limitations compared to Forgerock in terms of extensibility for more complex identity management requirements.

3. Scalability and Performance: Azure Active Directory is known for its scalability and reliability, being able to handle millions of users and authentications seamlessly. Forgerock Identity, while also scalable, may require additional configuration and optimization for larger deployments to ensure optimal performance under heavy loads.

4. Support for Standards and Protocols: Azure Active Directory is closely aligned with Microsoft's proprietary identity protocols like OAuth and SAML, which may be advantageous for organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft technologies. Forgerock Identity, on the other hand, has broader support for industry-standard protocols like OpenID Connect and SCIM, catering to organizations with diverse technology stacks.

5. Cost Structure: Azure Active Directory's pricing is typically based on a subscription model, with different tiers offering varying features and capabilities. Forgerock Identity, on the other hand, may provide more flexibility in pricing options, such as perpetual licenses or subscription-based models, catering to organizations with different budgeting preferences.

6. Identity Governance and Compliance: Forgerock Identity offers robust identity governance capabilities, including access certification and policy enforcement, to help organizations maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. Azure Active Directory also provides identity governance features but may require additional add-ons or integrations for advanced compliance requirements.

In Summary, the key differences between Azure Active Directory and Forgerock Identity lie in their integration capabilities, customization options, scalability, support for standards, cost structures, and identity governance features.