On Prem vs Cloud: Choosing the right IAM architecture

The choice between on-premises and cloud solutions for identity and access management is not made in the abstract, nor can it be resolved with a one-size-fits-all answer that applies to all types of architectures. This is because the question is not whether on-premises or cloud is better in theory, but rather which architecture best fits the needs of each organization.

 

At stake in this decision are both business agility and security, at a time when the leading cause of data breaches remains linked to identities and credential abuse, according to Verizon.

 

Is it possible to have complete control over identities while also adopting cloud tools? Or does each option require sacrificing something? If you already understand the differences between on-premises and cloud-based IAM management, below we’ll discuss what factors to consider when making your choice.

5 Questions to Help You Decide Between “On-Premises vs. Cloud” for Your Organization’s IAM Architecture

1. What compliance requirements exist in your industry?

On-premises architectures can offer greater control and simplicity when it comes to adapting to specific compliance requirements. This is a useful advantage in highly regulated fields.

 

Similarly, the right cloud providers have sufficient certifications and controls to meet strict requirements. What’s more, many cloud data centers offer a higher level of security than many organizations can afford with in-house solutions. 

 

Furthermore, another key question to ask is whether internal teams have the necessary resources to maintain controls at the level offered by a specialized cloud provider.

 

2 Are there any “legacy” systems and integrations that could become obsolete in the cloud?

An unexpected update in cloud environments can become an IAM manager’s worst nightmare by breaking key integrations with legacy systems. To avoid unpleasant surprises, those choosing cloud architectures must plan for continuous monitoring in this area from the outset.

 

In contrast, on-premises architectures can offer greater control, as well as more opportunities to tailor solutions to the requirements of a specific ecosystem. 

 

3 Have you calculated the actual cost of maintaining your own infrastructure versus paying for what you use?

When comparing on-premises vs. cloud costs, several issues arise: 

 

• On-premises solutions involve higher costs related to the resources, space, and energy expenses required to maintain this infrastructure at all times. 
• Cloud-based software allows for a lower initial cost and fewer requirements in terms of internal resources, as you pay only for what you use. Here, maintenance and storage costs are borne by the provider.
• It’s also important to consider the potential costs associated with migrating between systems, training staff, and security measures specific to either architecture.
• The budget must also account for how costs are expected to evolve in both architectures as the organization scales.

4 Does your organization gain more security and control by maintaining its own infrastructure or by leveraging a ‘cloud’ provider’s security investments?

The debate over control over data and devices often favors on-premises solutions, given that cloud options are provided by third parties.

 

However, for some, a cloud provider offers greater security capabilities than internal teams, which are often unable to assume the level of operational responsibility required by on-premises infrastructure. 

The answer depends less on the chosen architecture and more on whether the IAM platform supporting it has the certifications and controls that attest to its security. An ENS ALTO- and Common Criteria-certified platform eliminates that uncertainty regardless of the deployment model.

5 Am I prepared to deal with the “sprawl” of identities and permissions?

Although the uncontrolled accumulation of identities and permissions can also occur on-premises, expansion through SaaS-based multicloud architectures poses challenges on a larger scale. This risk is compounded by the proliferation of non-human identities.

 

In light of this, organizations that opt for cloud infrastructures must proactively put the brakes on this trend. A key step here is establishing a unified cloud management strategy that includes specific policies for access distribution.

 

This highlights the importance of centralized identity management, which can reduce the complexity of management in cloud and hybrid environments.

Would you like to explore the benefits and potential limitations of on-premises vs. cloud solutions for your organization’s specific architecture? 

The Soffid IAM platform is designed to simplify complexity, offering management tailored to both cloud and on-premises environments.

Contact us to tell us about your environment, and we’ll help you find the model that best suits your needs.