Differentiation among the various offerings from various vendors is what makes choosing an identity management "solution" interesting. So we see different "bells and whistles," different suite modules and different delivery methods. It's this latter that's the topic today.

When it comes to major software packages – database systems, financials, human resources apps and, yes identity management – different delivery methods appeal to different organizations. Some like the idea of software-as-a-service (SaaS) with everything installed “in the cloud.” Others prefer a drop-in server, an appliance, fully configured but customizable. Still others want to do the full installation and configuration for themselves (usually these are the same people who want to do all their computing from the command line – no GUI for them!).

Word traveled to me from Austin, Texas last week that at least one company understands this and is willing to give you the delivery method you want.

SailPoint’s Jackie Gilbert (VP Marketing and co-founder) and Darran Rolls (CTO) were on the phone with me last week to reveal details of the announcement they made last Monday: SailPoint IdentityIQ would now be available in multiple delivery packages.

You can still install it from scratch, you can still buy it pre-installed as a hardware appliance, but there are now three new options - a virtual appliance; a hosting option; and a menu of managed services. Here’s how they work:

• Virtual Appliance - IdentityIQ is installed as a pre-built software solution in the customer’s data center on the virtualization platform of their choice. The appliance is packaged for rapid deployment in a client’s existing virtual infrastructure and reduces deployment time and expenses by using pre-configured software stack.
• Managed Hosting - IdentityIQ is deployed at a SailPoint hosting facility, including all required software, services and support. It helps ensure that costs are more predictable by eliminating the need to procure hardware or additional internal IT support.
• Managed Services Packages - Based on their specific needs, customers can completely outsource the operation and maintenance of IdentityIQ hardware appliances or virtual appliances to reduce the total cost of ownership for maintaining and managing the software. This reduces the burden on internal IT resources, which is important given tightened budgets and reduced or overstretched staffs.

Dave Kearns is a consultant and editor of IdM, the Journal of Identity Management.