Google Cloud Identity vs Azure Active Directory
Cloud identity management is a critical aspect of cloud governance. It not only allows organizations to manage and secure access to cloud resources but also provides a seamless and user-friendly experience for end-users. Google Cloud Identity and Azure Active Directory (AAD) are two popular cloud identity management solutions that offer a range of features to manage user identities and access. In this blog post, we will compare the features, pricing, and best use cases of Google Cloud Identity and AAD to help you make an informed decision.
Features
Both Google Cloud Identity and AAD offer a range of features to manage user identities and access to resources. Google Cloud Identity offers:
- User and group management
- SSO (Single Sign-On) and 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
- Identity and access management (IAM) for cloud resources
- G Suite and other SaaS application integration
- Mobile device management (MDM) for Android and iOS devices
Azure Active Directory offers:
- User and group management
- SSO and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
- Application access management for cloud and on-premises applications
- Conditional Access policies
- Device management and compliance
- Identity protection and threat detection
Both solutions have a comprehensive set of features, but Azure Active Directory offers more advanced features related to application access management, device management, and identity protection.
Pricing
Pricing is an important consideration when choosing a cloud identity management solution. Google Cloud Identity offers a free edition for up to 100 users that includes basic identity and access management features. Beyond the free edition, Google Cloud Identity pricing is based on user licensing and starts at $6 per user per month.
Azure Active Directory pricing is also based on user licensing and offers various plans based on the features you need. The basic version of AAD is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, and the Premium plan starts at $6 per user per month. AAD also offers a free edition that includes basic identity and access management features for up to 50,000 users.
Best Use Cases
Both Google Cloud Identity and Azure Active Directory can be used for a wide range of use cases, but they are better suited for different scenarios. Google Cloud Identity is best suited for organizations that primarily use G Suite and other SaaS applications. It offers seamless integration with G Suite and other third-party SaaS applications, making it easy for users to access these applications with a single sign-on.
Azure Active Directory is best suited for organizations that use Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft services. It offers seamless integration with Microsoft services and applications, making it easy for users to access these applications with a single sign-on. AAD also offers advanced features related to device management, conditional access policies, and identity protection, making it a good choice for organizations with advanced security requirements.
Conclusion
Both Google Cloud Identity and Azure Active Directory are reliable and feature-rich cloud identity management solutions. The choice between the two largely depends on your organization's cloud infrastructure and the services you use. If you primarily use G Suite and other SaaS applications, Google Cloud Identity may be a better choice. Azure Active Directory is a better fit for organizations that use Microsoft services and require advanced security features.