IDaaS (Identity as a Service) is a cloud-based solution that provides identity and access management (IAM) capabilities to businesses and organizations. It enables secure authentication, authorization, and user management without the need for on-premises infrastructure.
An identity service's main task is to make sure users are really who they say they are and to provide them the right level of access to apps and files when they need it. In cases where such systems are managed on-premises, every issue that arises is the company's issue as well. Let's say the employees are using their own mobile phones (BYOD), and switch to new phone models. The in-house identity and access management will have to undergo certain adjustments. It is way more convenient to opt for a cloud-based solution run by experts who have addressed these same challenges for numerous other clients. That is what makes the cloud-based approach far more efficient and scalable.
Generally, the ''as-a-service'' model in IT refers to the remote delivery of a function or capability by a third-party provider. This eliminates the need for on-site management and a dedicated maintenance team. A helpful comparison would be MS Office which runs locally on a user's device, versus cloud-based platforms such as Office 365 by Google. In the same way, an external provider can offer identity management, security, and other IT functions
While IDaaS is rooted in the principles of IAM, the two are not interchangeable. Traditional IAM systems are typically deployed on-premises, requiring extensive infrastructure, resources, and maintenance. In contrast, IDaaS delivers IAM functionality through the cloud, offering faster deployment, better scalability, and reduced overhead.
You could say that IDaaS is essentially IAM as a service - and it often includes advanced out-of-the-box features, which previously required multiple vendors or custom integrations.
Modern IDaaS platforms go beyond basic user authentication. They bundle several advanced identity management features to deliver security, usability, and automation:
Before granting access, IDaaS solutions can verify users’ identities through documents, biometrics, or trusted sources.
SSO allows users to log in once and access multiple applications seamlessly. This enhances productivity and reduces password fatigue.
RBAC enables organizations to assign permissions based on roles rather than individuals, ensuring users only access what they need to do their job.
Some examples of strong MFA options include digital certificates, biometric authentication, device-based authentication, and push notifications.
IDaaS enables centralized identity workflows across various tools and systems, automating identity lifecycle management and reducing human error.
Users and admins access resources through encrypted, authenticated portals, which act as a secure gateway to applications and services.
With businesses increasingly reliant on APIs, IDaaS platforms ensure that only authenticated users or systems can interact with backend services.
Using behavioral analytics and AI, IDaaS detects and prevents suspicious or anomalous behavior in real time to minimize the risk of fraud.
By analyzing context such as device, location, and behavior, adaptive authentication adjusts security levels dynamically. This means friction is present only when necessary.
From biometrics to push notifications, IDaaS supports secure access without relying on passwords, improving both UX and security.
IDaaS isn't just about tight security – it makes life easier across the board, and here's how:
With everything managed from one place, adding new users, removing old ones, or updating access is way simpler — even if your team is spread out across the globe.
Single sign-on (SSO), passwordless logins, and smart access tools mean fewer logins and less hassle. Employees and customers get where they need to go faster — and with less frustration.
It’s easy to stack security tools like MFA and behavior-based detection, so you’re always one step ahead of threats.
Whether you’ve got a team of 10 or 10,000, IDaaS scales up or down without headaches. No need to overhaul your system every time your business changes.
Real-time monitoring and built-in compliance tools help spot issues before they become big problems. This equals fewer escalations and fewer fines.
Since you’re not dealing with servers or patching things yourself, you cut down on IT costs and free up time and budget for other projects.
Worried About Cloud Security? Let’s Clear That Up
It is natural to feel a bit unsure about putting your identity management in the cloud – especially if you're used to keeping everything in-house. The idea of your user data ''living'' somewhere off-site can raise questions. But here's the thing – cloud-based IDaaS solutions can be safer than traditional on-premise setups.
Here’s why IDaaS is secure — and in many cases, more secure — than on-prem IAM:
Leading IDaaS providers operate in secure cloud environments with end-to-end encryption, zero-trust architecture, and compliance with global standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
Unlike on-prem, cloud-based systems are constantly monitored and automatically updated to fix any known security holes fast - way faster than most in-house systems.
Sometimes things go wrong – power outages, natural disasters, you name it. But cloud systems have backups in place across multiple locations, so your identity services keep running no matter what.
IDaaS often comes with features like adaptive authentication, biometrics, and even AI detecting suspicious activity. Add-ons like these are commonly expensive and challenging to build yourself in case you're doing everything on-prem.
Cloud identity providers are experts at what they do – security is their thing. Meanwhile, your in-house IT team is likely juggling multiple different tasks at once. Relieve them and hand off this task to cloud identity masters.
Since your infrastructure is managed by a secure third party, the likelihood of internal slip-ups and intentional breaches is significantly lower. Fewer people touching the system simply means that fewer things can go wrong.
Managing digital identities is a big part of how we work today – and that's exactly where IDaaS comes in. It makes managing who has access to what easier, more secure, and way more flexible. This is especially true as teams, tools, and devices keep changing. Instead of relying on older, less flexible systems that struggle to keep up with today's demands, IDaaS offers a cloud-based solution that grows with you.
Whether it's giving employees a smoother login experience, tightening up security with features like MFA and adaptive authentication, or reducing the workload of IT teams, IDaaS covers a lot of ground.
And for those who worry about the cloud not being as secure – modern IDaaS platforms are built to meet some of the highest security standards out there. So, if you're looking for a smarter, more scalable way to handle identity access and management, IDaaS is more than ready to take on the job.
Feel free to contact us – zero obligation. Our ASEE team will be happy to hear you out.
