In the world of enterprise IT, the conversation around Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions often gets monopolized by heavyweights like Microsoft and Okta. However, there are a number of other formidable players, each bringing unique strengths and innovations to the table. Here’s a preview of 11 other SSO vendors beyond the usual suspects, spotlighting their unique capabilities and how they might be a better fit for your enterprise identity management needs.

1. Ping Identity

Unique Feature: Customizable and robust, Ping Identity offers strong mobile support and extensive API security, ideal for enterprises with a significant mobile workforce or those heavily utilizing APIs.

2. Google Identity Platform

Unique Feature: Integrating seamlessly with Google’s vast ecosystem, this platform is not only about accessing Google services but also enhances SSO capabilities across numerous third-party applications with the might of Google’s advanced security technologies.

3. IBM Security Verify

Unique Feature: Known for its ironclad security and sophisticated policy management, IBM Security Verify excels in highly regulated industries, offering detailed control over user access and permissions.

4. Auth0 (now part of Okta)

Unique Feature: Highly developer-friendly, Auth0 provides powerful customization and is known for its straightforward integration process, making it ideal for enterprises looking to craft a tailored identity experience.

5. OneLogin

Unique Feature: OneLogin stands out for its real-time threat detection and response capabilities, making it a top choice for security-conscious organizations looking for rapid adaptability against threats.

6. ForgeRock

Unique Feature: ForgeRock is tailored for consumer-facing businesses and excels in managing millions of identities, offering extensive scalability and a developer-friendly platform to support a vast array of consumer applications.

7. SailPoint

Unique Feature: Focusing on identity governance, SailPoint integrates SSO with comprehensive compliance controls, making it particularly valuable for organizations needing stringent audit trails and compliance management.

8. CyberArk

Unique Feature: CyberArk specializes in privilege access management, integrating this with SSO to provide layered security for accessing critical systems, thereby targeting enterprises with high-risk management needs.

9. RSA SecurID

Unique Feature: Apart from traditional SSO capabilities, RSA SecurID offers multifactor authentication (MFA), focusing on risk-based assessments which dynamically adjust authentication requirements based on the user’s risk profile.

10. JumpCloud

Unique Feature: Ideal for SMBs and organizations with hybrid environments, JumpCloud offers a comprehensive cloud directory service that combines SSO with device management and directory services, providing a holistic approach to identity and access management.

11.  Duo Security

Unique Feature:  Ideal for SMEs, Duo focuses on user-friendly multi-factor authentication and security for smaller-scale environments.

Why Consider These Alternatives?

Diverse Needs, Diverse Solutions: Not every enterprise’s needs are the same. Depending on the industry, size, and specific requirements like compliance and scalability, one of these vendors could offer a more fitting solution than the mainstream choices.

Innovation and Specialization: These vendors often push the boundaries of what’s possible in identity management, offering specialized features that might be exactly what a particular enterprise requires.

Cost and Flexibility: Some of these options may offer more competitive pricing or flexible contract terms than the larger players, which can be a crucial deciding factor for many businesses.

The Takeaway

The landscape of SSO solutions is broad and varied. While Microsoft and Okta are definitely the front runners in this category, the capabilities and specializations offered by these eleven other alternatives provides a rich field from which enterprises can select the perfect match for their identity management needs. In the end, the best SSO solution for an enterprise will hinge on a detailed understanding of its unique requirements and the specialized value each vendor can bring to the table. In a world full of choices, finding the right fit is key to unlocking optimal value.