As SAP Identity Management (IDM) approaches its end of life, organizations must consider the best path forward for their identity and access management (IAM) needs. In our previous blog post, we discussed the basic implications of this transition. In this post, we will dive deeper into the strategic aspects of the migration and explore best practices to leverage this change as an opportunity to innovate and streamline IAM processes.
What Was the Idea Behind SAP IDM?
The initial concept behind SAP IDM was to establish a comprehensive identity management system that seamlessly integrated with other SAP products, particularly SAP GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance). The goal was for SAP IDM to handle the fulfillment of user access requests, while SAP GRC managed authorization requests, risk analysis, and segregation of duties (SoD). This integration aimed to simplify and enhance IAM processes through seamless connectivity and advanced functionalities. However, this was the best practice model from SAP which today falls short of modern IAM needs for several reasons.
Why Continuing with SAP IDM Is Not an Option
Although SAP IDM initially provided strong benefits, strategic decisions have led the company to limit further development of the solution, preventing it from aligning with the advancing requirements of modern IGA solutions. This and the upcoming end of maintenance in 2027 lead to several issues:
- Increased Risk Exposure: With the end of support and maintenance for SAP IDM, organizations will no longer receive updates, security patches, or technical support. This increases the risk of vulnerabilities and operational issues, making it imperative to transition to a modern IGA solution.
- Lack of Innovation: SAP IDM has primarily seen updates in the form of new connectors, with no substantial new features being introduced. This stagnation means that it does not offer the capabilities of modern Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) systems, such as advanced risk analysis, machine learning-driven insights, or comprehensive lifecycle management.
- Legacy Systems: Many customers continue to use older SAP products and have not yet migrated to S/4HANA. For these organizations, the value of migrating to new systems may not be immediately clear, especially given the complexity and potential costs involved.
- Increased Complexity: Removing SAP IDM from the equation does not necessarily simplify the IAM landscape. Organizations that do not currently use IDM can directly transition to a new IGA system. However, those that do use IDM may need to adopt a phased strategy. This often involves continued reliance on SAP products, adding to the overall complexity.
- SAP Access Control Challenges: While SAP Access Control remains a crucial component, it is expected to be updated in the future, with a new cloud version (SAP IGA) still in its early stages. This transition could add another layer of complexity, requiring organizations to manage additional tools and integration points.
- Long-Term Migration Strategy: A long-term strategy is essential to manage costs and reduce complexity. Without a clear migration plan, organizations may find themselves locked into a cycle of continuous upgrades and patches, leading to increased maintenance efforts and costs.
The Benefits of Transitioning from SAP IDM to a Modern IGA Solution
To address these challenges and optimize your IAM processes, we recommend transitioning to a modern IGA tool. This move not only streamlines your IAM landscape but also introduces several key benefits:
- Holistic View and Lifecycle Management: Instead of managing IAM in separate systems, a modern IGA solution provides a unified, holistic view, covering the entire identity lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding.
- Simplified Management: Using a single tool reduces the administrative burden, allowing your team to focus on one comprehensive system rather than juggling multiple solutions.
- Reduced Complexity: By consolidating multiple tools into one, you simplify the IAM landscape, reducing the risk of errors and the time spent on managing disparate systems.
- Enhanced Workforce Efficiency: A modern IGA tool accelerates user onboarding and makes it easier for employees to gain the necessary access quickly and securely.
- Advanced Access Management: Organizations that previously relied on rudimentary access management can benefit from advanced features like segregation of duties (SoD) and risk analysis, which are crucial for high-security environments.
- Flexibility and Modernization: A modern IGA tool allows you to optimize processes using the latest methods and technologies without being forced to upgrade to S/4HANA immediately.
- Synergies and Best Practices: Implementing a single, modern IGA solution enables your organization to adopt best practices and leverage synergies across your IAM processes.
For detailed steps for your organization how to transition from SAP IDM, read our previous blog post.
Conclusion
The end of SAP IDM presents an opportunity for organizations to reassess and optimize their IAM strategies. By transitioning to a modern IGA solution, you can simplify your IAM landscape, enhance security, and position your organization for future growth. For more information on how iC Consult can support your transition and help you achieve IAM excellence, contact our experts today.