For many organizations, Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a ticking time bomb. Security breaches, compliance failures, and operational inefficiencies continue to plague businesses—yet, many still rely on traditional IAM consulting models that fail to deliver real results.
Despite years of investment, IAM remains one of the weakest links in enterprise security. Consider this: 78% of security breaches involve compromised credentials, yet IAM is still underfunded in two-thirds of organizations. Why? Because dated approaches to IAM—slow-moving, overly complex, and designed around rigid frameworks—don’t work for modern enterprises.
The good news? A better approach is emerging, one that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and true security. But before exploring that solution, it’s worth asking: Why do traditional IAM models fall short?
Where Traditional IAM Falls Apart
For years, large consulting firms have dominated the IAM space, offering extensive roadmaps, expensive recommendations, and implementation timelines that stretch across months (or even years). The problem? These firms prioritize their own consulting playbooks over practical, results-driven IAM execution.
Here’s what’s holding businesses back:
- Slow and Bureaucratic Implementation
If you’ve worked with a big-name IAM consultant, you know the drill: workshops, assessments, multiple strategy phases, and endless review cycles. By the time implementation begins, your security needs may have already evolved, leaving you stuck with an outdated roadmap. 6-12 months is too long to wait when security threats evolve by the day.
- High Costs, Low ROI
Consulting firms charge a premium for IAM solutions that often require continuous adjustments, leading to a never-ending cycle of engagements. What’s more, many organizations don’t see a meaningful reduction in security risks or operational costs, despite significant IAM spending.
- Rigid, Generic Frameworks
Many traditional IAM providers rely on standardized, templated solutions that fail to address industry-specific challenges. If your organization operates in a highly regulated sector like finance, healthcare, or government, these cookie-cutter approaches won’t cut it.
- Vendor Lock-In
Some of the biggest IAM consulting firms have long-term partnerships with specific technology vendors. This means their “recommendations” may be more about selling a particular software suite than finding the best-fit IAM solution for your business.
- Lack of Innovation
The IAM landscape is evolving rapidly, with technologies like zero-trust security, adaptive authentication, and AI-driven identity governance becoming critical. Yet, your average consulting model struggles to keep pace with these innovations, leaving organizations exposed to emerging threats.
If these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many businesses are finding that their IAM investments don’t translate into meaningful security improvements or operational efficiencies. As a result, they are turning to innovative solutions like Simeio Identity Orchestrator, which offer the agility and modern security enhancements that traditional approaches lack.
The Shift to Specialized IAM Providers
As organizations demand faster, more flexible, and results-driven IAM solutions, specialized IAM providers are emerging as the clear alternative to traditional consulting. Unlike large firms that rely on drawn-out roadmaps and rigid frameworks, these providers focus on agility, customization, and execution.
What sets them apart?
- Speed – Some specialized providers can implement IAM solutions in weeks instead of months, minimizing security risks and accelerating ROI.
- Customization – They tailor IAM strategies to fit your industry, compliance requirements, and business model, rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Innovation – These providers stay ahead of the curve, offering cutting-edge security measures like passwordless authentication, real-time access analytics, and AI-driven security automation.
- Flexibility – Instead of locking organizations into rigid vendor agreements, specialized IAM providers offer adaptable, scalable solutions that evolve with your business.
- Better Customer Support – Many traditional firms treat IAM as a checklist item, but specialized providers offer ongoing, proactive security management and hands-on support.
Many of these agile providers now offer advanced solutions, such as Simeio Identity Orchestrator, which leverages modern technologies for faster, more effective security. In short, Simeio IO exemplifies the shift towards more dynamic, tailored IAM strategies.
What to Look for in an IAM Partner
If you’re evaluating IAM providers, consider these key questions:
- How quickly can they implement IAM solutions? Will you wait months, or will you see real security improvements in weeks?
- Do they offer true customization? Or will you be handed a rebranded version of the same framework used for every other client?
- Are they focused on security innovation? Do they have expertise in zero-trust models, passwordless authentication, and adaptive access controls?
- Can they scale with your business? Will their solution grow with your organization, or will you need to reinvest in a new IAM strategy in a few years?
- Do they offer real support? Will you be stuck in a ticket queue, or can you count on timely, high-touch customer service?
The Bottom Line: IAM Needs a New Approach
Security threats aren’t waiting around for slow-moving IAM strategies. Embracing innovative platforms such as Simeio Identity Orchestrator can bridge the gap between traditional models and modern security needs—delivering agility, reduced costs, and improved risk management.
It’s time to rethink IAM.
Our latest whitepaper breaks down the key differences between traditional IAM consulting firms and specialized IAM providers, helping you make an informed decision about the future of your IAM strategy.
Download the whitepaper now for additional insights and modern solutions on how to reduce IAM costs while increasing cybersecurity performance.
