What is SailPoint?
SailPoint is an identity governance platform that helps businesses control user access across applications and data sources. This identity and access control software automates how user accounts are created, modified, and removed based on roles and security policies.
With AI-driven insights, SailPoint detects risks tied to user access and helps businesses manage compliance.
Pros and Cons of SailPoint
Pros of Sailpoint
Simple User and Easy to Navigate User Interface
SailPoint's dashboard is structured to help IT teams and employees handle access requests, role assignments, and account reviews with little effort. The layout presents key identity management tasks in a way that reduces the need for deep technical knowledge. Built-in search and filtering options make it easier to locate users, permissions, and policy settings.
Comes With IdentityIQ for Easier Access Requests from Users
IdentityIQ makes it easier for employees to request access without needing direct IT assistance. The self-service portal guides users through selecting the right permissions, while automated workflows handle approvals. This process helps cut down on delays, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication between employees and IT staff.
Allows Security, Audits, and Application Visibility in One Place
SailPoint consolidates identity management tasks, making it easier to track who has access to what. IT teams can monitor security risks, check user activities, and generate audit reports without switching between different tools. This helps businesses maintain compliance with regulations like SOX, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Quick On-Boarding and Off-Boarding of Users
SailPoint automates the process of granting and revoking access when employees join or leave a company. New hires receive the correct permissions based on job roles, while departing employees have their accounts closed promptly. This reduces the risk of old accounts staying active longer than needed.
Cons of Sailpoint
Navigating to Documentation for Clarifications is a Challenge
Some users find SailPoint's documentation scattered and not always easy to search through. While it contains useful details, getting to the right section can take longer than expected.
This can lead to delays when troubleshooting issues or setting up more advanced features. It’s not uncommon for many users to turn to online forums or direct support for quicker answers.
Some User Reported Bugs Due to Cacheing Issues
Some users have experienced issues where old data remains visible due to caching, leading to confusion when making access changes.
This can cause delays in updating permissions, requiring extra steps such as clearing cache or restarting services. While updates have reduced these occurrences, caching-related issues still happen occasionally.
Not the Best Option for Scaling - Not Ideal for Handling Certifications
SailPoint works well for mid-sized businesses but can struggle when handling a high number of users and certifications.
Reviewing and approving access at a large scale can become difficult, requiring additional customization. Workflows that involve many users may slow down, and businesses with extensive certification needs may need to adjust settings to keep processes running smoothly.
Not Features are Readily Available or Visible as They Come Under DIfferent Licensing Groups
Not all features are included in the base package, and some functions require additional licensing. AI-driven risk analysis and other advanced tools fall under different pricing tiers, which can create confusion. Businesses need to carefully assess which capabilities they need before purchasing to avoid unexpected costs.
Flow Can get Complex to Understand Initially
Although SailPoint helps automate identity management, setting up access rules, approval paths, and policies can be complex for new users. Understanding how different workflows interact may take time, especially when working with advanced configurations. Many businesses invest in training or consulting to speed up the learning process.
What to Look for in SailPoint Competitors?
Attribute-Based Access Control
A strong identity management solution should allow access decisions based on multiple attributes, such as user roles, departments, locations, and risk levels. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) provides flexibility by granting or restricting access dynamically, depending on real-time conditions.
This helps companies have security policies without needing to assign static roles manually. Competitors should support a scalable ABAC model that works with various applications
Audit Trail and User Logs for Compliance
A detailed audit trail is essential for tracking user activities, access changes, and security events. Competitors should maintain detailed logs that capture authentication attempts, permission modifications, and administrative actions. This data helps businesses meet compliance requirements for regulations like SOX, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Reliable Access Governance and User Visibility
A competitor or alternative to SailPoint should have a well-structured approach to managing user identities, permissions, and access requests. Visibility into who has access to what systems is crucial for preventing unauthorized privileges and security risks. Strong access governance tools allow IT teams to set clear policies, monitor entitlements, and identify excessive or outdated permissions.
Active Directory Synchronisation and Single Sign-On
Easy synchronization with Active Directory (AD) allows businesses to manage user accounts efficiently across multiple applications.
A good identity solution should sync changes in AD, such as new users, role updates, and terminations, to keep permissions up to date. Single Sign-On (SSO) further improves security by reducing password fatigue and smooth authentication.
Capability to Support Access to Different Ecosystems
Modern businesses use a mix of on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid applications, requiring an identity solution that works across all environments. Competitors should support integrations with cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as enterprise software such as SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce.
Advanced Security Features
A strong identity management platform should go beyond basic access control and include risk-based authentication, behavioral analytics, and session monitoring.
Features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), AI-driven anomaly detection, and just-in-time access help reduce unauthorized access risks.
Functionality With Non-SSO-Supported and Legacy Applications
Many businesses still rely on legacy systems that do not support modern authentication standards. A competitor to SailPoint should include solutions for managing access to older applications that lack native SSO support.
Options such as password vaulting, custom connectors, or proxy-based authentication can help bridge the gap between legacy applications and modern identity management frameworks.
Reliable Documentation for Technical Aspects
Clear and well-structured documentation is essential for IT teams to configure and troubleshoot identity solutions effectively.
Competitors should provide technical guides, API documentation, and troubleshooting resources that are easy to search and understand. Detailed use cases, step-by-step setup instructions, and active user forums can help reduce the learning curve and resolve issues faster.
Top 10 SailPoint Competitors in 2025
1. Infisign
Infisign is a growing competitor in identity and access management. This IAM software brings a modern approach to user authentication and governance. It focuses on simplifying role-based access while maintaining strong security measures.
The platform integrates with cloud and on-premise applications, making it a flexible option for various IT environments. Its intuitive dashboard helps businesses track and manage user identities with minimal effort.
Features:
- Supports both cloud and on-premise identity management
- Automated user provisioning and deprovisioning
- Real-time risk monitoring for access requests
2. Ping IdentityPing Identity is known for its strong authentication and access control solutions, making it a solid alternative to SailPoint. It provides a secure single sign-on (SSO) experience and integrates with multiple identity providers. Ping Identity also offers adaptive authentication, which adjusts security measures based on user behavior. Businesses looking for a scalable and secure identity management solution may find Ping Identity a strong choiceFeatures:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with risk-based authentication
- Seamless integration with cloud, mobile, and on-premise applications
- Advanced API security for identity-based access control
3. Duo SecurityDuo Security, a part of Cisco, focuses on user authentication and access control through multi-factor authentication (MFA). It is widely used to protect against unauthorized access by verifying user identities before granting access.
The platform is easy to deploy and works well with both legacy and modern applications. Duo’s adaptive authentication helps businesses secure remote access and prevent security breaches.Features:
- MFA with biometric and push notification options
- Zero Trust security model to verify users before access
- Device health checks to block risky logins
4. OracleOracle Identity and Access Management offers a full suite of tools for identity governance, access management, and privileged account security. It is well-suited for large enterprises that require deep integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and database systems.
The platform includes automation for role-based access control and compliance management. While powerful, it may require more expertise to configure compared to other competitors.Features:
- Identity governance for large-scale enterprises
- Automated compliance and audit reporting
- Integration with Oracle cloud and on-premise solutions
5. Microsoft Entra Identity GovernanceMicrosoft Entra Identity Governance is a strong competitor, especially for businesses using Microsoft 365 and Azure services. It offers identity lifecycle management, access reviews, and privileged identity management.
The platform is built to help businesses maintain security without adding complexity. It also integrates natively with Active Directory, making access management seamless for Microsoft environments.Features:
- Automated access reviews and entitlement management
- Privileged identity management for high-risk accounts
- Integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD
6. OktaOkta is a well-known identity and access management platform that provides strong authentication, access control, and user lifecycle management. It is widely used for its ease of integration with thousands of applications.
The platform’s single sign-on (SSO) and adaptive MFA features make it a preferred choice for businesses prioritizing security and convenience. Okta also offers tools for workforce and customer identity management.Features:
- Cloud-based identity and access management
- Single sign-on (SSO) for easier authentication
- Adaptive MFA with risk-based security policies
7. ZluriZluri specializes in identity and access management with a focus on SaaS applications. It provides automated provisioning and deprovisioning, helping businesses manage employee access more efficiently.
The platform also offers detailed reports on software usage and security risks. Zluri is best suited for businesses looking to streamline SaaS access management and security.Features:
- Automated access provisioning for SaaS applications
- Application usage tracking for security insights
- Role-based access controls for better security management
8. One LoginOneLogin is a cloud-based identity management solution designed for businesses that need strong security and simplified access control. It features single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and identity governance tools.
OneLogin’s smart authentication policies help businesses reduce security risks while improving user experience. It works well with both cloud-based and on-premise applications.Features:
- Single sign-on (SSO) for faster access to apps
- Smart MFA with risk-based authentication
- Integration with HR systems for automated user provisioning
9. IBM Security Verify GovernanceIBM Security Verify Governance is designed for businesses that need strong identity governance and access control. It helps businesses manage compliance, monitor user activity, and reduce unauthorized access risks.
The platform includes role-based access management and automated workflows for onboarding and offboarding. It is best suited for large enterprises that require deep security controls.Features:
- Identity lifecycle management with automation
- Access certification for compliance tracking
- User activity monitoring and risk detection
10. JumpCloudJumpCloud is an identity and device management platform that works well for businesses needing cloud-based authentication. It offers directory services, single sign-on, and multi-factor authentication in one platform.
JumpCloud supports identity management across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is a good choice for businesses looking for a flexible, cloud-native identity solution.Features:
- Unified directory for identity and device management
- Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Infisign: One of the Better Alternatives to SailPointInfisign offers a more modern, cloud-native IAM approach compared to SailPoint's often complex, on-premises focus. Infisign prioritizes ease of use and faster deployments, potentially reducing implementation time and costs compared to SailPoint. For companies seeking a streamlined, API-first zero-trust IAM solution. Infisign may be a better fit than SailPoint's broader, enterprise-grade platform. Want to know more? Reach out for a free trial!
