* Identity management to improve efficiency, automate servies, reduce costs
Speaking of Quest, as I was in the last issue, my friend Quest Senior Director, Product Management Jackson Shaw recently blogged about his predictions for 2009. One, in particular, resonated with me: “Do more with less (employees, consultants, temporary staff).”
2009 promises to be a tough year financially as the world tries to dig out from the mess we’re in. But security and regulatory compliance can’t nor should it be deferred. As Shaw said: “Layoffs abound. Predictions are that for 2009 we will see even more. The one thing that I do know is that companies turn to technology to automate even more when staffing gets tight or when layoffs happen. The proverbial ‘do more with less’ term will be bandied about until things turn around.
“What does that mean for identity management? Well, in my mind it comes down to operational efficiency. How can you continue to effectively perform all of the tasks that your group has been asked to do with less people? Well, first thing you do is prioritize your tasks and stop doing the lowest priority set of tasks. Second thing you do is look at the rest of your tasks and see how you can automate them. So my first prediction is we will see an uptick in identity management software revenues for products that specifically help to automate tasks (e.g., provision) or help cope with reduced staffing levels (e.g., self-service).”
In other words, let’s get back to our roots, circa 1998, when identity management services were seen as a way to improve efficiency, automate services and reduce costs.
Outsourcing is a theme of many 2009 prognostications, but Jackson flashes the harsh light of reality on that situation when he says: “Expect to see consultants get the axe too. Those are easy bottom-line savings for many executives to make. Tough times for consultants unless they are working on projects that have a very clear trajectory to reducing costs or increasing revenues. I’ve been in the room when the exec asks the question: ‘Choose between employee layoffs or cutting consultants.’ I’ve never seen managers jump up to volunteer their own staff first.”
Start looking at your own staffing requirements – you’ll be asked to do more with less and you’ll need to marshal good arguments for either keeping staff or hiring consultants, whichever is your choice, because it’s a sure bet you won’t be able to do both.
