### Contents - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) # Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Resources ##### Articles, Glossary Terms, Discussions, and Reports to expand your knowledge on Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Resource pages are designed to give you a cross-section of information we have on specific categories. You'll find [articles](#resources-articles) from our experts, [feature definitions](#resources-glossary_terms), [discussions](#resources-discussions) from users like you, and [reports](#resources-reports) from industry data. [ContentsExpand/Collapse Contents](#) - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) ## Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Articles [![What is Identity and Access Management? Effects on Security](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI154_Learn_Article_Images-%5BIdentity_and_access_management%5D_V1a.png "What is Identity and Access Management? Effects on Security")](https://www.g2.com/articles/identity-and-access-management) [ ### What is Identity and Access Management? Effects on Security ](https://www.g2.com/articles/identity-and-access-management) A lot goes into ensuring employees have the right access to company resources to do their jobs. [ ![Sagar Joshi](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sagar Joshi") SJ ](https://learn.g2.com/author/sagar-joshi) by Sagar Joshi [![Centralized Vs. Decentralized Identity Management Compared](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI769_Learn_Article_Images-%5BDigital_Identity%5D_V1a.png "Centralized Vs. Decentralized Identity Management Compared")](https://www.g2.com/articles/centralized-vs-decentralized-iam) [ ### Centralized Vs. Decentralized Identity Management Compared ](https://www.g2.com/articles/centralized-vs-decentralized-iam) Managing user identities in an organization is a nightmare for IT teams. [ ![Soundarya Jayaraman](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Soundarya Jayaraman") SJ ](https://learn.g2.com/author/soundarya-jayaraman) by Soundarya Jayaraman [![What Is an Access Control List (ACL)? Types and Examples](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI601_Learn_Article_Images-%5Baccess_control_list%5D_V1a.png "What Is an Access Control List (ACL)? Types and Examples")](https://www.g2.com/articles/access-control-list) [ ### What Is an Access Control List (ACL)? Types and Examples ](https://www.g2.com/articles/access-control-list) Where there are no rules, there is chaos.  [ ![Soundarya Jayaraman](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Soundarya Jayaraman") SJ ](https://learn.g2.com/author/soundarya-jayaraman) by Soundarya Jayaraman [![What Is CSPM? How It Ensures a Secure Cloud Environment](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI726_Learn_Article_Images-%5BCSPM%5D_V1a.png "What Is CSPM? How It Ensures a Secure Cloud Environment")](https://www.g2.com/articles/cspm) [ ### What Is CSPM? How It Ensures a Secure Cloud Environment ](https://www.g2.com/articles/cspm) Imagine your organization's cloud environment as a grand city with countless digital skyscrapers, data highways, and virtual neighborhoods. Just like in an actual city, ensuring the security of this bustling digital metropolis is paramount.  [ ![Tanuja Bahirat](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Tanuja Bahirat") TB ](https://learn.g2.com/author/tanuja-bahirat) by Tanuja Bahirat [![How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/man-sitting-down-and-using-his-laptop-374085.jpg "How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work")](https://www.g2.com/articles/small-business-employees-remote-work-experiences) [ ### How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work ](https://www.g2.com/articles/small-business-employees-remote-work-experiences) G2 is constantly following the evolving B2B tech industry, especially during this uncertain time. As part of a series of articles based on a recent survey we conducted, G2 analysts have highlighted some key issues and statistics about what small business employees are facing while working from home, along with possible tools and courses of action everyone can take away. [ ![Nathan Calabrese](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Nathan Calabrese") NC ](https://learn.g2.com/author/nathan-calabrese) by Nathan Calabrese [![How to Authenticate Remote Workers in a Zero Trust Security Model](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/person-using-black-and-gray-laptop-computer-beside-white-1923286.jpg "How to Authenticate Remote Workers in a Zero Trust Security Model")](https://www.g2.com/articles/remote-worker-authentication-zero-trust-security-model) [ ### How to Authenticate Remote Workers in a Zero Trust Security Model ](https://www.g2.com/articles/remote-worker-authentication-zero-trust-security-model) Where and how employees work has changed drastically in the last decade. Workers used to only be able to access corporate resources while working at the office. [ ![Merry Marwig, CIPP/US](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Merry Marwig, CIPP/US") MMC ](https://learn.g2.com/author/merry-marwig) by Merry Marwig, CIPP/US [![How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_BI209_Backlog_Images_%5BRemote_security%5D_V1a.png "How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises")](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-strengthen-remote-workforce-security) [ ### How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises ](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-strengthen-remote-workforce-security) The coronavirus health crisis has forced millions of workers (who are able) to transition to working from home. That poses numerous obstacles to workers meeting their deadlines and doing their jobs. Security management and enforcement have become some of the most important and critical transitional needs involved for both workers and their employers.  [ ![Aaron Walker](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Aaron Walker") AW ](https://learn.g2.com/author/aaron-walker) by Aaron Walker [![The Case for Multicloud Infrastructure Adoption](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/aerial-shot-backlit-beautiful-2132180.jpg "The Case for Multicloud Infrastructure Adoption")](https://www.g2.com/articles/multicloud-infrastructure-adoption) [ ### The Case for Multicloud Infrastructure Adoption ](https://www.g2.com/articles/multicloud-infrastructure-adoption) Putting all your eggs in one basket doesn’t always work out well. We’ve all done it, and when done in a business context (e.g., Cloudflare’s July outage that briefly tanked numerous web-based businesses), the consequences can be far-reaching and dire. [ ![Zack Busch](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Zack Busch") ZB ](https://learn.g2.com/author/zack-busch) by Zack Busch [![What Is Corporate Governance? (+Why It's Vital to Your Business)](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/corporate-governance.jpg "What Is Corporate Governance? (+Why It's Vital to Your Business)")](https://www.g2.com/articles/corporate-governance) [ ### What Is Corporate Governance? (+Why It's Vital to Your Business) ](https://www.g2.com/articles/corporate-governance) Businesses have their own internal governance system – and I’m going to explain how it works. [ ![Lauren Pope](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Lauren Pope") LP ](https://learn.g2.com/author/lauren-pope) by Lauren Pope Show More ## Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Glossary Terms [![Identity Management](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI833_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bidentity_management%5D_V1b.png "Identity Management")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/identity-management-definition) [Identity Management](https://www.g2.com/glossary/identity-management-definition) Identity management helps prevent unauthorized access to company systems and data. Understand the benefits, challenges, and best practices. by Alyssa Towns [![Passwordless Authentication](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI834_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bpasswordless_authentication%5D_V1b.png "Passwordless Authentication")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication-definition) [Passwordless Authentication](https://www.g2.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication-definition) Passwordless authentication takes the hassle out of entering passwords. Learn the benefits, types, and how it differs from multi-factor authentication. by Alyssa Towns [![Cloud-Native Applications](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI811_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bcloud-native_applications%5D_V1a.png "Cloud-Native Applications")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/cloud-native-applications-definition) [Cloud-Native Applications](https://www.g2.com/glossary/cloud-native-applications-definition) Cloud-native applications are built to reside on cloud platforms to offer more agility. Learn about their benefits, security measures, and key features. by Sagar Joshi [![Private Cloud](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI706_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bprivate_cloud%5D_V1a.png "Private Cloud")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/private-cloud-definition) [Private Cloud](https://www.g2.com/glossary/private-cloud-definition) A private cloud is a dedicated cloud computing environment used by a single organization. Learn about the four types, benefits, and best practices . by Kelly Fiorini [![Multi-Factor Authentication](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI603_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bmulti_factor_authentication%5D_V1b.png "Multi-Factor Authentication")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/multi-factor-authentication-definition) [Multi-Factor Authentication](https://www.g2.com/glossary/multi-factor-authentication-definition) Multi-factor authentication uses two or more methods of identification to allow logins to an app or account. Learn more about using MFA in business. by Holly Landis [![Identity and Access Management](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI598_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bidentity_and_access_management%5D_V1b.png "Identity and Access Management")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/identity-and-access-management-definition) [Identity and Access Management](https://www.g2.com/glossary/identity-and-access-management-definition) Identity and access management (IAM) helps businesses verify users and control access to apps, systems, and data to improve security and efficiency. by Holly Landis [![Data Security](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI017_Data_security_V1b.png "Data Security")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/data-security-definition) [Data Security](https://www.g2.com/glossary/data-security-definition) Data security is the practice of protecting data from unauthorized parties. Learn more about data security strategies and best practices to prevent data breaches, and find helpful information on creating a data security policy. by Sagar Joshi [![User Role and Access Management](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/User%20role%20and%20access%20management.png "User Role and Access Management")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/user-role-and-access-management-definition) [User Role and Access Management](https://www.g2.com/glossary/user-role-and-access-management-definition) What is user role and access management and why is it important as a software feature? by Merry Marwig, CIPP/US ## Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Discussions 0 Question on: Descope [What are some good alternatives to Firebase Authentication for customer authentication?](/discussions/what-are-some-good-alternatives-to-firebase-authentication-for-customer-authentication) Teams often start with Firebase Authentication for speed, but later look for alternatives as applications scale. Common drivers include tight Google Cloud lock-in, unpredictable usage-based costs at high volume, limited control over where user data is stored, and difficulty supporting multi-tenant, partner, or regulated use cases. Firebase’s basic security defaults and SMS-only MFA also leave gaps for teams that need stronger security orchestration and compliance flexibility. Descope is frequently selected by teams moving beyond Firebase Authentication because it offers greater flexibility and control without sacrificing developer velocity. Descope lets teams design and evolve authentication flows using visual workflows instead of hard-coded logic, making it easier to support tenant-specific, partner, and enterprise journeys. It includes native passwordless authentication, adaptive MFA, and streamlined SSO as standard features, with consistent experiences across web, mobile, and partner apps. With predictable pricing, strong compliance support, and broad SDK coverage, Descope enables teams to scale customer authentication securely without platform lock-in or architectural rewrites. Answered: Abhishek Iyer on January 26, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/what-are-some-good-alternatives-to-firebase-authentication-for-customer-authentication/comments/new?remote=true) 0 Question on: Descope [What are some good alternatives to Amazon Cognito for customer authentication?](/discussions/what-are-some-good-alternatives-to-amazon-cognito-for-customer-authentication) Many teams begin with Amazon Cognito because it is readily available in AWS, but later seek alternatives as requirements expand. Common reasons include unexpected price increases tied to advanced security or multi-region usage, the need to write complex Lambda functions to customize login flows, tight AWS lock-in that complicates hybrid or multi-cloud architectures, and frustration with unclear documentation or slow support. Teams frequently choose Descope instead of Amazon Cognito because it delivers a flexible, cloud-agnostic CIAM platform without the operational complexity of deep AWS dependencies. Descope allows teams to design and evolve authentication flows using visual workflows rather than custom Lambda logic, making tenant-specific and customer-specific journeys easier to manage. It includes passwordless authentication, adaptive MFA, and streamlined SSO as standard capabilities, with consistent experiences across web, mobile, partner apps, and AI agents. With predictable pricing, responsive support, and broad SDK coverage, Descope helps teams replace Cognito’s rigidity with a more adaptable and developer-friendly approach to customer authentication. Answered: Abhishek Iyer on January 26, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/what-are-some-good-alternatives-to-amazon-cognito-for-customer-authentication/comments/new?remote=true) 0 Question on: Descope [What are the best platforms to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for customers and partners?](/discussions/what-are-the-best-platforms-to-implement-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-for-customers-and-partners) Customer and partner-facing applications require MFA platforms that balance strong security with usability, supporting adaptive policies, multiple verification factors, and consistent enforcement across diverse user populations and access scenarios. Descope is a strong MFA platform for customer and partner ecosystems because it supports differentiated, risk-aware MFA policies within a single CIAM solution. Customer MFA can be implemented with low-friction, adaptive step-up authentication that preserves conversion and user experience, while partner MFA can enforce stronger, more consistent controls to protect privileged and organizational access. Answered: Abhishek Iyer on January 9, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/what-are-the-best-platforms-to-implement-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-for-customers-and-partners/comments/new?remote=true) - [‹ Prev‹ Prev](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=5) - [1](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources) - [2](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=2) - [3](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=3) - [4](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=4) - [5](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=5) - 6 - [7](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=7) - [8](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=8) - [9](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=9) - [10](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=10) - … - [44](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=44) - [45](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=45) - [Next ›Next ›](/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam/resources?discussions_page=7) ## Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software Reports Mid-Market Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Mid-Market Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Identity and Access Management (IAM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report