What is Cloud Identity (IDaaS)?
As the number of cloud services grows, you end up managing separate IDs and passwords for each one, making it harder to balance convenience and security. Identity integration is the idea of consolidating employee accounts (IDs) in one place and bundling sign-in to multiple services in a way that is both secure and convenient. The cloud service that delivers this is called cloud identity (IDaaS), and it also serves as the starting point for SASE and Zero Trust.
The basics of identity integration
Cloud identity (IDaaS) manages employee accounts centrally and makes sign-in secure and convenient through mechanisms such as the following.
- ✓Authentication (identity verification). The foundational function that confirms the person trying to sign in is who they claim to be.
- ✓Single sign-on (SSO). With a single sign-in, users can access multiple cloud services right away.
- ✓Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Combines a password with an extra step such as smartphone approval to prevent impersonation.
- ✓Conditional access. Automatically controls whether access is allowed and whether additional authentication is required, based on location, device, and risk.
- ✓Identity management (provisioning). Creates and disables accounts across services in bulk in line with onboarding, transfers, and offboarding.
Because IDs, passwords, and access permissions are managed centrally in the cloud, services can be used securely under the same rules both inside and outside the office.
A visual overview
With a single sign-in (SSO), users can securely access multiple authorized cloud services.
Understanding Cloud Identity with Diagrams
For readers who find the jargon difficult, here are three diagrams explaining the idea of cloud identity (IDaaS).
An analogy: one badge opens every door
← scroll horizontally →Scattered IDs and passwords are bundled in one place, so a single sign-in (SSO) securely opens multiple services.
Before / after: bundling IDs into one
← scroll horizontally →The IDs and passwords that multiply per service are bundled into one: SSO for convenience and MFA to prevent impersonation. Departing employees' accounts can be disabled in one place.
Step by step: from sign-in to use
← scroll horizontally →After a single sign-in and MFA confirm the user, the ID platform connects them to multiple authorized services at once.
Major cloud identity (IDaaS) products
These are representative cloud identity (IDaaS) products. They are not ranked against one another in a single, uniform way; it is important to choose based on how well they fit your existing environment and the clouds you use.
Microsoft Entra ID
An identity platform integrated with Microsoft 365. A strong fit for companies already using M365. We explain the basics of authentication, SSO, and MFA in detail.
Read more →Okta
A leading IDaaS specialist with a broad track record of integrating with many SaaS products, making it less likely to lock you into a specific cloud.
Official site ↗Google Cloud Identity
Integrated with Google Workspace. A strong fit for companies already using Workspace.
Official site ↗OneLogin
An IDaaS known for simple usability. Relatively easy to adopt for small and mid-sized organizations.
Official site ↗Ping Identity
A long-established vendor that handles large-scale, advanced requirements. Suited to companies seeking flexible authentication federation.
Official site ↗* Product names and URLs are general information as of 2026. Please check each vendor's official site for the latest details.
Benefits
- ✓Enables centralized management of employee accounts, reducing operational effort and oversights.
- ✓SSO lets users sign in to multiple services once, improving convenience.
- ✓MFA helps prevent impersonation even if a password is leaked.
- ✓Accounts of departing employees can be disabled immediately, stopping access to all services.
- ✓Access logs support auditing and investigation.
Drawbacks and considerations
- !An initial identity integration design (organizing existing accounts) is required.
- !Because licensing models differ by product, you need to identify which functions you require.
- !Appropriate operational rules and management skills are required.
- !When introducing MFA, you need to notify employees in advance and provide guidance on how to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- QWhat is identity integration / cloud identity (IDaaS)?
Identity integration is the idea of consolidating employee accounts (IDs) in one place and bundling sign-in to multiple services in a way that is both secure and convenient. The cloud service that delivers this is called cloud identity (IDaaS), and it also serves as the starting point for SASE and Zero Trust. - QWhat is the difference between SSO and MFA?
Single sign-on (SSO) lets users access multiple cloud services right away with a single sign-in, improving convenience. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines a password with an extra step such as smartphone approval to prevent impersonation. - QHow does Microsoft Entra ID fit in?
Microsoft Entra ID is one cloud identity (IDaaS) product, integrated with Microsoft 365 and a strong fit for companies already using M365. We explain the basics of authentication, SSO, and MFA in detail on a separate page. - QCan small and mid-sized businesses adopt it?
Yes. For example, OneLogin is known for simple usability and is relatively easy to adopt for small and mid-sized organizations. Products are not ranked in a single uniform way; it is important to choose based on how well they fit your existing environment and the clouds you use. - QWhat are the benefits and considerations of adoption?
Benefits include centralized management of employee accounts, improved convenience through SSO, prevention of impersonation with MFA, and immediate disabling of departing employees' accounts. On the other hand, an initial identity integration design (organizing existing accounts) is required, along with appropriate operational rules and management skills.
Talk to us about reviewing your identity management
From challenges such as "managing IDs and passwords per service is cumbersome," "we are concerned about managing former employees' accounts," or "we want to introduce MFA," we support organizing your environment, including product selection.
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