ADFS, short for Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), is a software component developed by Microsoft, having a feature of the Windows operating system that extends end users’ single sign-on (SSO) access to systems and apps. With These SSO capabilities, ADFS can verify a user on different, related web apps in a single online session.
It also shares the user’s identity and access rights, also known as claims, across the company’s security boundaries. It provides safe and authenticated access to any domain, device, system or web app within the company’s active directory (AD) and approved third-party platforms.
ADFS is federated, which means that it has a central user identity database, which allows each person to use existing AD credentials to gain access to apps within a corporate network and by trusted sources outside the company; this includes; a cloud network, SaaS application or another company’s extranet.
Features
- It reduces the complexity of password management.
- It ties usernames and passwords to existing identities.
- It provides easy sign-on and access based on a unified set of credentials.
- It allows access to multiple apps and systems across different networks.
If you don’t like ADFS and its features, you may check out other similar software. In this post, we have revealed all the best ADFS alternatives you can use below.
20 Best ADFS Alternatives
1. Azure Active Directory
Azure Active Directory, also known as Azure AD is a multi-tenant, cloud-based directory and identity management service created by Microsoft. It specializes in managing the identity of users and groups in order to protect their identities. Also, it helps protect the network and security of organizations without using so many materials. It is a great solution to security issues in all network resources of any company.
Azure AD helps network administrators by preventing them from changing the order on the computer network always. Authentication is properly managed; only authorized users can log on to network computers. Azure AD is trusted and used by IT admins and app developers. App developers use Azure AD to make pre-existing user credentials a single sign-on to apps.
It also provides app developers with application program interfaces (APIs) that make use of already existing data within the organizations. Over ten thousand companies make use of Azure AD.
It is rated as one of the largest cloud service providers, and mastering its use and gaining the necessary expertise in it will surely take developers ahead in the field of cloud computing. It is one of the best ADFS alternatives you should check out..
Features
- Management of devices and groups
- Protection of password
- Enables multi-factor authentication
- Registration of device
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2. LDAP
The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is another ADFS alternative, and an open-source protocol with a cross-platform solution for database access control that makes it possible for applications to inquire user information rapidly. LDAP infrastructure can be housed on the premises of an organisation or in the cloud, the Cloud-based LDAP requires no onsite server hardware.
Firms wishing to employ the use of LDAP as a secure authentication module in their IAM protocols can save costs associated with money, time and maintenance by choosing the cloud-based LDAP but there is a need to consider and compensate for additional security issues associated with migration to the cloud.
LDAP is used mostly to serve as a central place for authentication, i.e., it stores usernames and passwords. LDAP can then be used in different applications or services to validate users with a plugin. LDAP can also be used to verify usernames and passwords with Docker, OpenVPN, Jenkins, Linux Samba and Kubernetes servers.
In 1993 LDAP was created by Tim Howes and his colleagues at the University of Michigan, it was developed to be a lightweight, low-overhead version of the X. 500 directory services protocols that were used at the time.
Features
- Solid security system
- It helps to retrieve data easily
- Implementation is easy
- Has an excellent client-server relationship
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3. SAML
Security Assertion Markup Language is an open standard that allows identity providers (IdP) to pass authorization credentials to service providers (SP); this is done by exchanging authentication and authorization data between an identity provider and a service provider. It offers simplified federated authentication and authorization processes for users, Identity providers, and service providers.
A solution to allow the identity provider and service providers to exist separately from each other is provided; this centralizes user management and provides access to SaaS solutions. This process is simplified, and authentication is secured as the user is required to only log in once with unit-set authentication credentials.
So, when the user is trying to gain access to the website, the identity provider forwards the SAML authentication to the service provider, which in turn grants access to the user after successful validation.
SAML is a standard way for external applications and services to verify that a user is who they say they are. It doesn’t require information of users to be maintained and synchronized between directories.
Features
- User management is centralized
- The cost to maintain account information across multiple services is reduced
- High security
- User experience is improved and optimized.
There is no known website at this time
4. AD DS
Active Directory domain service is a set of ADFS alternative directory services developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks that connects users with the network resources needed to get their work done. It has a database/ directory that contains critical information about the environment, including what computers and users are there and who’s allowed access to do what.
Active Directory makes life simple for administrators and also end users while improving the organization’s security. Here, administrators are offered a centralized user and rights management tool, as well as centralized control over user and computer configurations, available through the AD Group Policy tool.
Authentication here is required once and seamlessly to access any resources in the domain for which they’re authorized using the single sign-on tool. Files stored are kept in a central repository where they can be easily shared with other users to ease collaboration; this is backed up efficiently to ensure business continuity by IT teams.
Microsoft introduced Active Directory Domain Services as a hierarchical directory service. The major difference between AD FS and AD DS is that, unlike ADFS, AD is an actual “Active Directory”, that is, the database of computer and user accounts; these are members of the domain.
Features
- It has an effective security system for logging in.
- It has an effective security system for accessing directory data.
- It has a data and directory store for storing information about AD objects.
- Changes made to the directory data are replicated on all domain controllers in that domain.
There is no known website at this time
5. AD LDS
AD LDS is a stand-alone LDAP server similar to Active Directory. It is an independent Active Directory mode that provides directory services for apps. It was known previously as ADAM (Active Directory Application Mode). It operates independently of Active Directory domains; it operates either with replication or as a standalone data store.
Its independence enhances local control and autonomy of the directory services for these specific apps. Also, it facilitates flexible schemes of independent and naming contexts.
AD LDS provides a dedicated directory service for apps; this data store and services help in accessing the data store.
This ADFS alternative uses standard application programming interfaces (APIs) to grant access to the application data. The APIs include Active Directory, Active Directory Service Interfaces, System Directory Services and Lightweight Data Access Protocol.
Its concentration is on the requirements of specific apps, as directory services are not included in the Windows operating system. It operates in an Active Directory environment, so Active Directory can be used for authentication.
Features
- It is an independent mode of the Active Directory
- It provides directory services for applications.
- It can be operated either as a standalone data store,
- It enables and enhances local control and autonomy of directory services
There is no known website at this time
6. OKTA
Okta Identity Suite is an identity management solution based on the cloud; it caters to businesses across various sectors, some of which are information technology (IT), telecommunications, utilities, consumer services, energy and many more. Okta’s functionality enables businesses to automate their operations and workflows for both internal and external users.
Here, businesses are provided with a universal directory that assists them in managing multiple users, devices, apps and APIs. integration with various third-party applications is supported here, some of which include Office 365, Salesforce, Slack, Splunk and more. It offers huge flexibility and is divided into several categories.
Although it costs a little higher compared to its competitors, it still gets the job done quickly and neatly too. On Okta a wide range of complexity and connectors are supported, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace apps, and so much more.
Okta boasts of more than 13,050 organizations using its service, including Nordstrom, JetBlue, Twilio, Slack, Siemens, Takeda and Teach for America.
Features
- Analytics and reporting available
- Adaptive access and authorization
- It Improves business process outcomes
- It is safe and secure
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7. Simplyfied
Simplyfied is among the best ADFS alternatives, and it is an online service that helps with brand scaling, team collaboration and content creation. It has tools that, when merged together, help run a successful marketing campaign and promote businesses on the World Wide Web. It has a plethora of brilliantly designed templates that help users in a plethora of ways.
This service makes design creation for online marketing campaigns easy and seamless. Ads can be created so easily without coding. Undertaking a copywriting task with this service is super easy as it uses a special AI-driven copywriter feature/tool. The copywriting tool allows the user to create text for any event; Facebook ad, a Google ad, promotional emails etc.
Simplyfied has turned out to be one of the most affordable marketing platforms today. It offers free services to users that are looking to get video editing and graphic designs, and it gives a total of 5 GB of storage space. Also, Simplified offers a plan for small teams, which cost about $12 per month.
Larger companies get the $24 per month plan. This plan has more storage and plans. The Growth plan also costs $99 per month and has 500 GB of storage; it gives full access to the platform.
Features
- Offers Real-time collaborations
- Merges with social media
- Presence of an AI-based copywriter
- Animation maker is present
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8. Ping identity
The next on this ADFS alternatives list is Ping Identity. This is identity and access management software. It is geared at helping organizations control and secure their mobile access, clouds and internal and external networks.
It does this by detecting and stopping any suspicious unauthorized activities by using the AI technology. This software helps customers and employees access to any application on any device.
It helps enterprises provide secure and faultless cybernate experiences with ease. In other words, this software is responsible for preventing security breaches in large organizations by providing customers with personalized user experiences and security coverage.
Ping software is trusted by several companies like; Microsoft, Amazon and Google, and also has collaborations with over half of the Fortune 100 because of its identity management expertise.
There are a lot of options to work with in this platform in case it isn’t all favourable to the user, such as the single sign-on, the intelligent API, access management, multi-factor authentication, data directory, etc.
The pricing plan for Ping Identity is a single plan where the user pays $5 per month. Ping Identity was established in 2002 by Andre Durand and Bryan Field-Elliot, in Denver Colorado and its headquarters is located in the United States. It has other offices in about seven countries.
Features
- Easy installation on server
- There is multiple operating support system
- Presence of cross-browser
- Authentication is multifactored
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9. Oracle
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is a next-gen cloud computing service offered by Oracle Corporation; they provide servers, networks, apps and services through a global network of managed data centres of the Oracle Corporation. Oracle offers compliance, sovereignty, and location-specific performance with access to the latest cloud innovations.
The ADFS alternative gives access to a full portfolio of cloud services wherever and whenever they are needed; it has a plethora of cloud options, which includes; dedicated Cloud@Customer, hybrid, multi-cloud solutions such as Oracle Database Service for Microsoft Azure, or public cloud. It is an on-demand innovative, Business-first AI tool, and provides the necessary tools needed in computing, storage, and networking in order to deliver robust business outcomes.
This service prioritizes security and ensures this by providing several mechanisms needed to control usage and data access. Oracle Cloud Platform utilizes several principles and methodologies; this is done to increase performance. With its cheaper pricing compared to that of its rivals, clients with a smaller budget can get their needs sorted using its service.
Features
- Compliance & risk management is improved
- Improved customer relations/service
- Backup and recovery
- Enterprise performance management
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10. ForgeRock
Forgerock is a ADFS alternative that helps organizations to manage their customers’ identities. In a world today where the population has drastically increased, forge rock has made it easy for organizations to keep track of their customers.
Time is of the essence; managing the identity of people can be a time-consuming, stressful, risky, and costly process, especially for those organizations that still make spreadsheets and other manual methods to keep records of their customers.
With this problem, a digital solution was needed to combat the problem, and ForgeRock Identity, which has a platform, has proved just to be the right solution to such problems.
The tool it uses for this is an AI based product that is built for the sole purpose of managing identities in any environment. The features this platform has helps organizations to grow and also stand out from their competitors. The platform also has an exceptional security system.
The company has about 1300 enterprises that make use of its services. Some of which are; BMW, Phillips, BBC, Standard Chartered, Toyota, etc. It was founded in 2010 by a group of employees who formally work at Sun Microsystems.
Its headquarters is located in San Francisco. ForgeRock is about $20000 per month for a start of the plan and costs about $8000 per month for a global enterprise.
Features
- API security present
- Its authentication is strong
- Single Sign-on
- Detection of threats
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11. RSA
RSA is a public-key cryptosystem that is used widely for securing data transmission. It is also one of the oldest ADFS alternatives. It helps customers rapidly and comprehensively link security incidents with business context; this enables them to respond effectively and protect important data.
The acronym “RSA” comes from the surnames of the early founders, Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir and Leonard Adleman, who described the algorithm publicly in 1977.
Some exciting information about RSA is that it has multiple layers of authentication that make the apps very safe and secure from password breaches, it makes accessing work documents remotely easier, the business authentication process is protected, and access to different servers is allowed.
Although installation can be tricky, it still does a great job of protecting workstations and is also a great tool for accessing systems safely and remotely.
RSA Suite enables administrators to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) utilizing multiple methodologies, including SMS tokens, biometrics, push notifications and one-time passwords (OTPs).
Security and compliance controls are implemented, and risk-priority-based access certifications are set up. Also, staff members can easily verify user identities, request replacement tokens, change PIN codes, troubleshoot issues and many more using the authentication manager tool.
Features
- Easy to use and integrate
- Excellent Product support
- It provides a stable and seamless experience
- Top-notch security
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12. IBM
The International Business Machines Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation popularly known for producing and selling computer hardware and software, as well as cloud computing and data analytics.
IBM security identity manager is a modular platform that offers services for web, mobile, and cloud and also multi-factor authentication, access management, web-application protection, risk-based authentication, and identity federation.
Its integrated appliance form factor allows for flexible, automated deployment on-premises or in the cloud. It was incorporated in 1911, has its headquarters in Armonk, New York, and is also present in over 175 countries.
IBM Security Identity Manager provides essential password management, auditing, and user provisioning capabilities. This ADFS alternative delivers a simplified identity management capabilities solution that is easy to install, deploy, and manage. Here, Identity management governance capabilities are extended with a focus on operational role management.
Features
- It reduces the time required to prepare for audits.
- It automates and simplifies the process of periodically revalidating accounts, users and accesses.
- Provides support for corporate regulatory compliance.
- Provides dynamic and static roles.
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13. SecureAuth
SecureAuth is a leading next-generation authentication and access management organisation, enabling a secure and no-password, continuous authentication experience. You cannot discuss the ADFS alternatives without mentioning SecureAuth.
SecureAuth uses hundreds of human variables to create each user’s unique digital DNA by leveraging adaptive risk analytics. This enables continuous real-time authentication while providing the highest level of security possible throughout the digital journey.
They provide end users with a self-service portal to reset their Active Directory passwords and update second-factor authentication without administrator involvement.
Digital business initiatives evolve using this simple, secure, unified customer experience. In the 2022 GigaOm Radar Report for MFA, SecureAuth was recognized and ranked as one of the top leaders.
SecureAuth offers a great user experience, its good interfaces are very comfortable and flexible, and they also reinforce safety at work, all of which are very easy to implement; it is highly effective, easy and customizable, and it’s simplicity and first configuration does not take long to start, security and ease are paramount and is greatly improved here.
Features
- Integration for multiple Directory
- Deployment methods for enterprise customers are flexible.
- It offers both a simple and detailed interface.
- The authentication policies cover most of the key components and support for third-party threats.
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14. AWS
Amazon Web Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides scalable and cost-effective on-demand cloud computing solutions and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments. They offer several on-demand operations like ADFS to help corporations scale and grow, usually on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. It was launched in 2002. It works in different configurations; this is dependent on the user’s requirements. AWS offers a ton of services, some of which are; Compute services, Storage, Database, Developer tools, Security tools, Management tools, Networking and delivery of content
AWS is a cost-effective service without long-term commitments for the services purchased. Hybrid computing and fast installation/uninstallation of applications in any location within minutes are allowed in a seamless manner.
It comes packed with extra security and flexibility and also has average rates compared to other private cloud servers in the industry. Some organisations using AWS include; Capital One, Netflix, Coinbase, Hitachi, Airbnb, Johnson & Johnson, AOL, Finra, Adobe, Intuit etc.
Features
- Provides a user-friendly programming model.
- The service is cost-effective
- Artificial Intelligence
- Augmented reality and virtual reality support
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15. Red Hat
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is among the ADFS alternatives, and is a commercial open-source Linux distribution that powers and supports software and technologies for storage, automation, containers, cloud, middleware, application development, virtualization, microservices, management etc. Red Hat Enterprise Linux offers connection to Red Hat’s extensive software, hardware, and cloud partner ecosystem, and this comes with 24 hrs/ day and seven days/week support.
It simplifies how the organization maintains compliance, mitigates risk and automates security. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has built-in security features; this includes; security profiles, security standards certification, live kernel patching, and a highly trusted software supply chain; this helps in meeting today’s compliance expectations and high security.
It has a comprehensive performance monitoring, tracing, and analysis tool that helps optimize systems, no matter what hardware or workloads are being run, they also have a tool that builds a comprehensive view of system performance, detects performance anomalies, and applies the best practices through preset tuning profiles so as to get the most out of the service.
Features
- Easy to integrate into existing structures.
- Easy to configure.
- It is robust and doesn’t require lots of handling.
- Availability of support and patching.
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16. One Identity
One Identity is a cybersecurity service that offers a unified identity security solution that helps manage access rights for better control and visibility; this grants protection of people, applications, and data, just like ADFS.
It helps in the proliferation of identities, combined with the fragmented approach that many companies use to address identity security issues today to close these cybersecurity exposure gaps with its integrated set of tools that delivers unparalleled control, protection and visibility. One identity was named a leader in the KuppingerCole’s 2022 Leadership Compass Access Management; this is a testament to how effective and widespread it is
It is an excellent service for centrally handling and dispatching access for all management requests. It guarantees that all business compliance requirements are adequately followed, tracked and met, while also ensuring that no one has access to the resources or applications that they are not permitted.
It aids in the effective and productive administration of IT folks engaged in identity management and audits by creating a dashboard to aid in the tracking of identity governance.
One Identity Manager has proven to be a great solution for keeping data secure and also aids in maintaining application uptime and uniform application access, all this makes user data administration easy. No client has unrestricted access to resources or software, and all corporate norms and standards are monitored and met, this is ensured using specific tools embedded in this service.
Features
- Enables auditing and compliance
- Drives operational efficiencies
- Log management is enhanced
- Secures the organisation
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17. JumpCloud
JumpCloud is an IT Management software that authenticates, authorizes, and manages users, devices, and applications. They provide a centralized identity, which allows administrators to manage system security policies, public SSH keys and multi-factor authentication processes. This is done through a common directory in the cloud and not through legacy, on-premises IT systems like we have on other platforms.
They provide support for businesses of all sizes, manage workstations and devices and grant access to user identities and IT resources; it manages several systems with just a single set of credentials. And, also Its cloud-based authentication service makes a huge impact when it comes to security.
JumpCloud provides the perfect solution to regain authority and control over the organisation’s authorization, authentication, and accounting (AAA) procedures without managing AAA infrastructure on-premises. Cloud applications are always up and running, as their open architecture makes it cross-platform compatible with no provider requirements.
Features
- Setting up the environment is fast and easy
- Dashboards are organized in a clear and easy-to-understand way
- Simple user management
- Flexible configurations for workstations and remote PC security settings
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18. CyberArk
CyberArk is an end-to-end Identity and Access Management (IAM) security tool used as a privileged access management tool to safeguard data. It offers a comprehensive solution for storing, managing, and sharing passwords across the organization.
It keeps the company free from malware and other security threats associated with hacking; this is made possible with highly customized security features, It boasts of a new class of custom security solutions that allows quick response to security incidents.
Some industries that use this service include Banking, Health Care, Insurance, Computer Hardware and Software, Energy, Government, Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Retail, and Utilities.
CyberArk has a Privileged Password Management and Control solution, which helps organizations adhere to compliance and audit policies and standards that enable them to identify any risks posed by advanced persistent threats swiftly. It creates and implements robust controls for privileged password management and improves how privileged accounts are monitored, managed, and secured.
Features
- Saves time
- Impressive password management
- Productivity is improved
- Tracks credentials
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19. Quest
Quest is an award-winning Microsoft management solution that provides cloud management services. It helps in the migration, management and securing of data across on-premise, cloud-based and hybrid platforms.
It automates development and administration tasks in order to reduce costs, increase productivity, optimize performance and ensure top-quality code.
They have a zero tolerance for downtime policy; here, a full-system instant-recovery is done in as little as 15 minutes with Quest ZeroIMPACT; it boasts of a data center that’s well equipped to handle massive amounts of data, using the Quest database management software tools, this tool automates all routine tasks effectively, creates a standard for performance monitoring, provides high-quality data, and drives greater data availability.
It has an all-in-one solution for access management, a privileged account management service that protects users and effectively manages identities, this is done using the Identity and Access Management (IAM) capabilities. This identity management tool ensures all users can access all the tools and networks needed to get the job done.
Features
- Effective database management
- Impressive endpoint systems management
- Continuous performance monitoring
- Improved data protection.
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20. Akamai
Akamai is among the ADFS alternatives and a leading cybersecurity and cloud service company offering impressive, high-security cloud services. It is safe, quick, and seamless and has an unparalleled Ddos protection tool in terms of configuration, very low latency issues, high availability, and cost. They provide the user with protection against spoofing and other attacks.
Their data visualization tools display in real-time how data is moving across the Internet; users can see Internet connectivity, global web conditions, and malicious attack traffic and monitor mobile trends, global news consumption and industry-specific traffic. Akamai’s Intelligent Edge service is one of the world’s largest distributed computing services, boasting of thousands of users worldwide.
Akamai is simple to install, the dashboard is very easy to navigate, and reports and overviews of security issues can be easily accessed. It helps with performance and load testing and optimizes impressively for mobile and web users.
With Akamai, there is no shortage of services or programs offered, as they deliver a wide range of customizable experiences for everyone, businesses and individuals alike.
Features
- Security posture is improved
- Vast global footprint
- Impressive customer service
- It can handle complex demands
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Related: AdminLTE Alternatives
Conclusion
This article has outlined twenty ADFS alternatives with their features to enable you to make the right choice that suits your needs. If you cannot for any reason, make use of ADFS, you can try any of these other options.
Let us know your thoughts about any of them; your comments are highly welcomed. We would also like to know if you have used any of them.
Kindly remember to like and share this article.
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