Customer identity and access management (CIAM) has become a critical capability allowing businesses to securely interact with consumers across channels. With data breaches and stricter regulations, selecting the right CIAM platform is key.
This definitive guide examines the 10 top CIAM solutions on the market in 2023 based on features, scalability, ease of use and more.
Let‘s first understand what CIAM entails and why you need it.
What is CIAM and Why It Matters
CIAM refers to the tools and processes used for managing consumer digital identities and controlling their access to data and services.
It allows you to:
- Securely authenticate users
- Unify consumer profiles across systems
- Manage user consent and preferences
- Deliver personalized, omni-channel experiences
- Comply with privacy regulations like GDPR
CIAM differs from employee-focused IAM in these key ways:
- Higher user volumes
- External user populations
- Different access needs
- More consent requirements
- Higher security risks
With data breaches growing and regulations like GDPR threatening fines, CIAM is an essential capability allowing you to securely interact with consumers, gain insights while respecting privacy.
Dedicated CIAM platforms are purpose-built for these unique requirements.
Top 10 CIAM Platforms for 2023
Here are the top 10 CIAM platforms on the market today:
1. LoginRadius
LoginRadius is a leading cloud-based CIAM platform offering consumer IAM capabilities like single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, social login and more.
Key features include:
- Secure access management
- 360-degree consumer profile
- Consent management
- Customer authentication
- Bot detection
LoginRadius scales to enterprises yet is affordable for SMBs. It‘s a great overall CIAM choice.
2. Microsoft Azure AD
Microsoft‘s native CIAM solution seamlessly integrates with other Azure services. It‘s best suited for companies committed to the Microsoft technology stack.
Key capabilities:
- Single sign-on
- Multi-factor authentication
- Self-service profile management
- Machine learning-powered security
If you have an Azure subscription, Azure AD is a no-brainer for CIAM.
3. Okta
Okta is a market-leading IAM provider offering CIAM capabilities like SSO, adaptive multi-factor authentication, lifecycle management and more.
It‘s a great choice for:
- Large digital enterprises
- Companies wanting deep integrations
- Full identity management capabilities
Okta excels at enterprise-scale deployments.
4. ForgeRock
ForgeRock delivers identity management solutions catering specifically to highly-regulated industries like healthcare, finance and more.
It stands out with:
- Advanced identity proofing
- Biometric authentication
- Consent receipt management
- Breached password detection
If operating in regulated sectors like healthcare or banking, ForgeRock merits strong consideration.
5. IBM Cloud Identity
IBM Cloud Identity is a versatile, cloud-based CIAM platform enabling consumer identity management, authentication, authorization and more.
Key features:
- Single sign-on
- Multi-factor authentication
- Smart tokenization
- Custom branding
It‘s easy to deploy, integrate and manage while meeting rigorous security standards. Well-suited to mid-size and large companies.
6. SAP Customer Identity Management
SAP Customer Data Cloud specializes in CIAM capabilities like consent management, privacy preferences and customer profile management.
It uniquely provides:
- Consent audit trails
- Preference insight analysis
- Profile enrichment
If you‘re an SAP customer and compliance is critical, SAP Customer Identity Management merits evaluation.
7. PingIdentity
PingIdentity helps large enterprises manage digital identities with robust CIAM capabilities for customer authentication, access management and more.
Standout features:
- Standards-based security
- Identity federation
- Extensive protocol support
It offers rich customization for complex deployment needs – best suited to large, security-conscious enterprises.
8. Salesforce Identity
Salesforce Identity provides CIAM tightly integrated with Salesforce CRM and marketing tools.
It delivers:
- Single sign-on
- Social login configuration
- Multi-factor authentication
- Automated provisioning
For Salesforce-centric environments, it‘s a seamless CIAM choice.
9. OneLogin
OneLogin is a cloud-based IAM provider with CIAM features like SSO, smart factor authentication, directory integration and more.
It stands out with:
- Unlimited free customer support
- Rapid deployment
- User provisioning automation
Affordably priced and offering excellent support, OneLogin suits growing SMBs very well.
10. JumpCloud
JumpCloud takes a modern, cloud-based approach to IAM and CIAM.
It uniquely provides:
- Agent-based authentication
- Directory as a service
- Device management
Well-suited to cloud-first and Mac environments seeking an innovative approach to CIAM.
Choosing the Right CIAM Platform
When evaluating CIAM solutions, consider these key criteria:
- Ease of use – How intuitive is the interface and implementation?
- Supported integrations – Does it plug into your existing martech stack?
- Scalability – Can it grow with your needs?
- Security capabilities – Does it enable robust authentication and access controls?
- Customer support – What level of assistance does the vendor provide?
- Total cost of ownership – What is the overall investment given your workloads?
Prioritize capabilities that align to your use cases – B2C vs. B2B needs may differ. Compliance demands also vary by industry.
Testing options like free trials allow you to vet solutions hands-on.
Get Started With CIAM – Your Next Steps
CIAM adoption continues accelerating as consumers demand seamless, secure digital interactions and regulations mandate prudent data management.
Investing in robust CIAM strengthens security, fuels customer insights and underpins compliant growth strategies.
The above CIAM platforms represent leading options suiting varied needs and environments.
To determine the best fit for your organization, audit existing infrastructure, document consumer access patterns and trial top solutions that align to your criteria.
With the right CIAM foundation, you can confidently pursue personalized engagement with each customer while keeping their sensitive data safe and powering your business growth.
