JumpCloud vs Keycloak: What are the differences?

1. Authentication and Authorization: JumpCloud is primarily an identity and access management (IAM) solution that provides authentication and authorization services for users and applications. It offers a centralized platform for managing user identities, enforcing security policies, and controlling access to resources. On the other hand, Keycloak is an open-source IAM solution that focuses on providing single sign-on (SSO), identity brokering, and social login capabilities. It allows users to authenticate once and access multiple applications seamlessly.

2. Deployment Options: JumpCloud offers both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options for organizations. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the deployment model that suits their specific requirements and security policies. In contrast, Keycloak is primarily designed for cloud-based deployments, leveraging the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cloud infrastructure. It may require additional configuration and setup to be deployed on-premises.

3. Vendor Support and Licensing: JumpCloud is a commercial product that comes with vendor support, offering direct assistance and troubleshooting for customers. It follows a subscription-based pricing model, with different plans depending on the organization's size and requirements. On the other hand, Keycloak is an open-source solution supported by the community. While community support is available, there may be limitations in terms of support availability and responsiveness. Keycloak is typically free to use, with no licensing costs involved.

4. User Management and Directory Services: JumpCloud provides a comprehensive user management system that includes user provisioning, password management, and role-based access control. It offers features like multi-factor authentication and password policy enforcement. Additionally, JumpCloud includes a cloud-based directory service that centralizes user information and allows for easy integration with other applications and services. Keycloak also offers user management capabilities, but it primarily focuses on providing SSO and identity brokering functionalities.

5. Integration and Extensibility: JumpCloud offers extensive integration possibilities with popular third-party applications, services, and protocols through its API and pre-built connectors. This allows organizations to integrate JumpCloud with their existing infrastructure and workflows seamlessly. Keycloak also provides integration capabilities through its extensive library of adapters and connectors. It supports various authentication protocols and can integrate with external identity providers.

6. User Experience and Customizability: JumpCloud provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the management of user identities and access. It offers a customizable dashboard and the ability to create custom fields and attributes for user profiles. Keycloak also offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily navigate and manage their identities. However, the level of customizability may be limited compared to JumpCloud.

In Summary, JumpCloud and Keycloak differ in their primary focus on authentication and authorization, deployment options, vendor support, user management capabilities, integration possibilities, and user experience and customizability.