Accessibility across multiple platforms is no longer a luxury but a necessity for effective identity management. As enterprises expand globally and employees demand flexibility in how and where they work, the ability to manage identities seamlessly across devices becomes critical to both security and productivity. This comprehensive analysis compares the cross-platform capabilities of two industry leaders: Avatier and SailPoint.
The modern workforce accesses corporate resources from an average of 2.5 devices per employee, according to a recent Gartner study. With 92% of organizations now embracing hybrid work models, the need for consistent identity management experiences across devices has never been more critical.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend dramatically, with remote work increasing by 140% since 2005. This shift has created an urgent need for identity solutions that work seamlessly across desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, regardless of operating system or location.
Avatier’s Approach: Identity Anywhere
Mobile-First Philosophy
Avatier’s Identity Anywhere platform represents a fundamental shift in how enterprises approach cross-platform identity management. Unlike traditional solutions that began as desktop applications and later added mobile capabilities, Avatier built its platform with a mobile-first mindset.
This approach means that all identity management functions—from password resets to access requests and approvals—can be performed with equal efficiency on any device. The platform delivers a consistent user experience whether accessed via:
- Native mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Desktop applications for Windows and macOS
- Web browser interfaces
- Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Workplace by Facebook
Container-Based Architecture
One of Avatier’s most innovative differentiators is its Identity-as-a-Container (IDaaC) architecture. As the world’s first containerized identity management solution, Avatier enables truly platform-agnostic deployment:
“Our container-based architecture allows organizations to deploy once and run anywhere,” explains Avatier’s Chief Technology Officer. “This eliminates the traditional pain points of managing different code bases for different platforms and ensures consistency across all user touchpoints.”
The Identity Container approach provides several key advantages:
- Consistency across all platforms without code duplication
- Reduced maintenance overhead
- Faster feature deployments
- Improved scalability
- Enhanced security through containerization
Where Avatier truly stands apart is its deep integration with the tools employees already use daily. Rather than forcing users to access a separate portal, Avatier brings identity management functions directly into:
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Workplace by Facebook
- Chrome Extension
- Email clients
This approach dramatically increases user adoption rates. When identity management functions appear natively within collaboration tools, approval workflows become as simple as responding to a chat message. This frictionless experience results in faster approvals, increased productivity, and reduced security risks.
SailPoint’s Approach: IdentityNow and IdentityIQ
Cloud-First vs. On-Premises
SailPoint offers two primary solutions: IdentityNow (cloud-based) and IdentityIQ (on-premises). While both provide cross-platform capabilities, there are significant differences in the user experience between them:
IdentityNow features:
- Responsive web design for various screen sizes
- Native mobile apps
- SaaS delivery model
IdentityIQ features:
- Browser-based interface
- Limited mobile optimization
- On-premises deployment with optional cloud components
This dual-product approach creates inherent inconsistencies. Organizations using IdentityIQ often experience a different user interface and feature set than those using IdentityNow, creating potential training and adoption challenges for global enterprises with mixed deployment models.
Mobile App Limitations
While SailPoint does offer mobile applications, they typically provide a subset of functionality compared to their web interfaces. Common limitations include:
- Restricted approval workflows
- Limited reporting capabilities
- Fewer self-service options
According to a 2023 Gartner analysis, only 67% of SailPoint’s core functions are fully accessible via mobile devices, compared to Avatier’s 98% feature parity across platforms.
Integration Approach
SailPoint’s approach to integration with collaboration tools relies primarily on its API framework rather than native integrations. While this provides flexibility, it often requires additional development work to create a seamless experience within tools like Teams or Slack.
User Experience Comparison
Self-Service Capabilities
The self-service experience is a critical factor in cross-platform identity management, directly impacting help desk costs and user satisfaction.
Avatier’s self-service identity management capabilities are consistently available across all platforms, allowing users to:
- Reset passwords
- Request access to resources
- Manage group memberships
- Update profile information
- Complete certification campaigns
These functions maintain the same workflow and interface regardless of the device being used, creating a frictionless experience for users switching between work environments.
SailPoint’s self-service capabilities vary more significantly between platforms, with certain functions limited or unavailable on mobile devices. This can lead to user frustration and increased help desk tickets when mobile users encounter limitations.
Approval Workflows
For managers and approvers, the cross-platform experience is equally important. In a hybrid work environment, approval delays can significantly impact productivity.
Avatier’s approach integrates approval workflows directly into the communication channels managers already use. For example:
- A manager receives an access request in Microsoft Teams
- They can approve or deny with a single click, directly in the Teams interface
- No separate login or application switch is required
- The same experience is available on mobile or desktop
SailPoint’s approval workflows typically require managers to access a dedicated portal, creating friction in the process. While email notifications are available, the actual approval action often necessitates switching contexts.
Analytics and Reporting
For security teams and administrators, cross-platform access to analytics and reporting is crucial for maintaining compliance and identifying potential risks.
Avatier provides consistent reporting capabilities across platforms through its Access Governance module, allowing security teams to:
- View comprehensive dashboards on any device
- Receive real-time alerts about potential security issues
- Initiate remediation actions from mobile devices
- Generate compliance reports from anywhere
SailPoint’s analytics capabilities are more robust on desktop platforms, with mobile offerings providing a more limited view of the organization’s identity posture.
Implementation and Adoption Considerations
Deployment Flexibility
Organizations must consider how each solution’s architecture impacts deployment flexibility and ongoing maintenance:
Avatier’s container-based approach offers:
- Deployment in any cloud environment (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- On-premises options
- Hybrid deployments
- Edge computing compatibility
SailPoint’s deployment options depend on the chosen product:
- IdentityNow is SaaS-only
- IdentityIQ requires on-premises infrastructure
- Hybrid options exist but may create inconsistent experiences
User Adoption Rates
The ultimate measure of cross-platform success is user adoption. Solutions that provide consistent, intuitive experiences across devices see significantly higher adoption rates.
According to a 2023 enterprise survey, organizations implementing Avatier’s Identity Anywhere platform reported:
- 89% user adoption within the first three months
- 76% reduction in password reset tickets
- 64% faster access request fulfillment
Organizations using SailPoint reported:
- 72% user adoption within the first three months
- 58% reduction in password reset tickets
- 47% faster access request fulfillment
The difference in adoption rates directly impacts ROI, as unused or underutilized identity management solutions cannot deliver their full security and efficiency benefits.
Consistent Policy Enforcement
Cross-platform solutions must maintain consistent security policies regardless of access method. Both Avatier and SailPoint enforce policies across devices, but with different approaches:
Avatier implements a “design once, deploy everywhere” model through its container architecture, ensuring that security policies are consistently applied regardless of the access point. This is particularly valuable for heavily regulated industries that must maintain strict compliance standards.
SailPoint’s dual-product approach can create challenges in maintaining policy consistency, particularly for organizations using both IdentityIQ and IdentityNow in different parts of their business.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Both solutions support multi-factor authentication (MFA) across platforms, but with notable differences:
Avatier’s MFA integration supports:
- Biometric authentication on mobile devices
- Hardware tokens
- SMS verification
- Authentication apps
- Contextual authentication based on device, location, and behavior
SailPoint’s MFA capabilities vary between products and platforms, with the most robust options available in their cloud offering.
Cost Considerations
When evaluating cross-platform solutions, organizations must consider several cost factors beyond the initial licensing:
- Implementation complexity: Avatier’s unified platform typically requires less implementation time than SailPoint’s multi-product approach.
- Training requirements: Consistent interfaces across platforms reduce training costs and accelerate adoption.
- Maintenance overhead: Containerized architectures generally require less ongoing maintenance than traditional deployments.
- Help desk impact: Solutions with higher self-service adoption rates significantly reduce help desk costs.
According to Forrester Research, organizations implementing unified cross-platform identity solutions like Avatier can expect a 35% lower total cost of ownership over three years compared to multi-product approaches.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Enterprise
When evaluating cross-platform identity management solutions, organizations should consider:
- User experience consistency: How similar is the experience across different devices and platforms?
- Feature parity: Are all critical functions available regardless of how users access the system?
- Integration capabilities: Does the solution work natively within the tools your organization already uses?
- Deployment flexibility: Can the solution adapt to your existing infrastructure and future plans?
- Adoption potential: Will users embrace the solution or find workarounds?
Avatier’s Identity Anywhere platform delivers a truly unified cross-platform experience through its innovative container-based architecture and deep integration with collaboration tools. This approach not only enhances security and compliance but also drives higher adoption rates and return on investment.
While SailPoint offers robust identity governance capabilities, its cross-platform experience is less consistent, particularly for organizations using a mix of cloud and on-premises deployments.
As the workplace continues to evolve toward more flexible, hybrid models, the importance of seamless cross-platform identity management will only increase. Organizations that prioritize user experience alongside security will be best positioned to thrive in this new environment.
To learn more about how Avatier can transform your organization’s cross-platform identity management experience, explore the comprehensive Identity Anywhere platform today.
