Keycloak PLUS offers extended functions and support to meet the growing requirements for security and access management. In this article, we show you how Keycloak PLUS expands the basic version of Keycloak into a fully comprehensive IAM system and why it can be the ideal solution for complex IT environments.
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Keycloak vs Keycloak PLUS: A full comparison
Identity and access management (IAM) is more important than ever for the security and efficiency of IT systems and applications. Keycloak can be an open source solution that provides basic IAM functions. However, when it comes to more demanding requirements, Keycloak PLUS offers additional features that go far beyond the basic version. In this article, we will show you how Keycloak PLUS turns a simple IAM tool into a fully comprehensive system and the benefits it brings to your organisation.
What is Keycloak?
Keycloak is an open-source IAM solution developed by Red Hat and based on Java. It enables the management of user identities and access rights for web and mobile applications. The main functions include:
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Once authenticated, you can access multiple applications without having to log in again.
- Identity Brokering and Social Login: Integration of identity providers such as Google, Facebook or LinkedIn.
- User management: Management of users, groups and roles, including password policies and two-factor authentication.
- Customisability: Integration into existing systems and expansion through plugins.
What is Keycloak PLUS?
Keycloak PLUS expands Keycloak into your fully comprehensive IAM system! It offers seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures and a user-friendly interface. Here are the most important extensions of Keycloak PLUS:
- User and lifecycle management: Keycloak PLUS brings fully automated and secure management of the entire user lifecycle. From the onboarding of new employees to the GDPR-compliant deletion of data during offboarding.
- Automatic authorisation management: The comprehensive, automated rights management enables dynamic assignment of authorisations based on the organisational structure. This saves an enormous amount of time, especially with complex IT structures.
- GDPR-compliant auditing and monitoring: All login attempts, authorisation changes and other security-relevant actions are logged in detail and meet the highest compliance requirements.
- Independent customer management: The ability to manage customers and their access rights independently saves you resources and minimises administrative effort.
- Cloud provisioning via SCIM: The simple integration of identity providers and cloud services with lifecycle management gives you a flexible and scalable connection.
- Mapping of organisational structures: Keycloak PLUS offers the option of mapping complex company or customer structures, which simplifies automated authorisation assignment.
Keycloak or Keycloak PLUS: Which solution is the right one?
For smaller companies or projects that do not have any special requirements for advanced functions, the basic version of Keycloak can be a sufficient solution. It offers all the essential functions for secure user and access management and is available free of charge.
For companies in the B2B sector that want to manage their customers or give them the option of self-administration, as well as for network companies, e.g. in franchising, Keycloak PLUS is the ideal choice. Automated rights management and GDPR-compliant auditing in particular ensure a more efficient and secure IT environment.
Conclusion
Keycloak PLUS offers much more than just an extension to the basic version. It transforms Keycloak into a complete IAM system that is scalable, secure and user-friendly. The additional automation, compliance and integration features make it an ideal solution for companies that prioritise efficiency and data security.
Do you have questions about Keycloak or Keycloak PLUS? Contact us to find out how we can help you implement and optimise your IAM solution!
