Cloud Directory solutions are cloud-based tools which manage user identities in the cloud. They allow admins to manage user groups and ensure the right teams can access the right files and applications. In addition, they can also help prevent compromise with access management and authentication services, such as single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Traditionally, directory services would have been installed on-prem, most commonly in the form of Microsoft’s Active Directory solution. This worked well for the vast majority of organizations who were based out of an office and used Windows devices; users could simply login to their Windows device and have access to all files in the Directory service.
As organizations have moved to the cloud, a new category of Cloud Directory solutions have emerged to support cloud user identities. These solutions work across all operating systems and devices, provide a suite of identity security features, including multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, privileged access management and more. They also integrate with workstations, applications, and other directory solutions to provide comprehensive identity and access management across devices and platforms.
The main benefit of implementing a cloud directory solution is to improve identity security by protecting credentials and unifying identity management across applications and services. Many of the best directory services will also offer endpoint management and privileged access management, unifying many key security tools under one management console. These solutions are typically offered under a SaaS model.
In this list, we’ll cover the best workforce cloud directory services for organizations. We’ll consider features, customer feedback, market presence, and pricing to help you find the right directory solution for your organization.
