Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a set of processes, policies, and technologies used to manage and control user access to applications, systems, and data. It is used to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information and resources, and that user access is granted and revoked in a timely and secure manner.
IAM is particularly important for SaaS software, as it is often accessed over the internet and may contain sensitive data that needs to be protected. SaaS companies need to ensure that only authorized users can access their software, and that user access is granted and revoked in a timely and secure manner.
IAM for SaaS software typically involves several components, such as authentication, authorization, and enterprise identity management. Authentication involves verifying the identity of users who access the software, typically through the use of usernames and passwords or multi-factor authentication. Authorization involves controlling what users can do within the software, such as granting access to specific features or data. Identity management involves creating and managing user accounts, and ensuring that user access is properly managed and monitored.
Many SaaS companies also provide IAM solutions to their customers, allowing them to manage user access to their own applications and data. This can include features such as single sign-on (SSO), which allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of login credentials, and role-based access control (RBAC), which allows businesses to define specific roles and access levels for different users.