Keycloak, an open-source identity and access management solution, offers a robust platform to handle user authentication and authorization effectively.

However, managing Keycloak in-house can be resource-intensive and complex.

This is where managed Keycloak as a service comes into play, providing a streamlined, efficient solution for companies looking to leverage Keycloak’s capabilities without the associated overhead.

Benefits for Non-Technical and Technical Companies

For non-technical companies, managed Keycloak services offer significant advantages. These companies often lack the in-house expertise required to deploy and maintain a complex IAM system. With managed Keycloak, they can benefit from professional Keycloak support and maintenance, ensuring their identity management system is secure, up-to-date, and efficient. This allows them to focus on their core business activities without worrying about the intricacies of IAM management.

Technical companies, on the other hand, may have the expertise to manage Keycloak themselves. However, choosing a Keycloak managed service can still be beneficial. It allows their technical teams to focus on strategic projects rather than routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Additionally, managed services often come with enhanced security features, regular updates, and scalability options that can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house solution.

Options for Managed Keycloak Service

When choosing managed Keycloak, you have several hosting options, each with its own benefits.

Keycloak on AWS

Hosting Keycloak on AWS is a popular choice due to its scalability, reliability, and extensive range of services. AWS Keycloak allows companies to leverage AWS’s robust infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance. Additionally, AWS provides various security features that enhance the overall security of the Keycloak deployment. With Keycloak hosted on AWS, organizations can efficiently manage their user identities and access controls.

Keycloak on Azure

Similar to AWS, Azure offers a powerful platform for hosting Keycloak. Keycloak on Azure provides seamless integration with other Azure services, making it an attractive option for companies already using Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. Azure Keycloak hosting benefits from Microsoft’s strong security measures and global data centers, ensuring a reliable and secure identity management solution.

Private Keycloak Cloud

For companies with specific security or compliance requirements, hosting Keycloak in a private cloud can be an ideal solution. This option offers the highest level of control and customization, allowing organizations to tailor the Keycloak environment to their exact needs. While private cloud hosting may require more initial setup and maintenance, it provides unparalleled flexibility and security. Keycloak self-hosted in a private cloud ensures that organizations maintain full control over their data and configurations.

Pros and Cons of Managed Keycloak Service

Pros

• Reduced Overhead

  Managed Keycloak services eliminate the need for in-house infrastructure and dedicated IT staff, reducing operational costs.

• Expert Support

  With managed services, companies gain access to Keycloak support from experts, ensuring any issues are quickly resolved.

• Scalability

  Managed Keycloak services can easily scale to accommodate growing user bases and increased demand.

• Security

  Managed services often include enhanced security measures, regular updates, and compliance with industry standards.

Cons

• Limited Customization

  Some managed services may offer less flexibility for customization compared to self-hosted solutions.

• Cost

  While managed services reduce overhead, they can still be expensive, especially for smaller organizations with tight budgets.

Checklist for Managed Keycloak Service Selection

When selecting a managed Keycloak service, there are several key factors to consider:

• Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

  Ensure the provider offers robust SLAs that guarantee uptime and support response times.

• Security and Compliance

  Verify that the service meets your organization’s security and compliance requirements.

• Development Experience

  Ensure the provider has an in-house development team experienced with Keycloak API.

• Scalability

  Consider whether the service can scale with your business needs.

• Support and Maintenance

  Evaluate the level of support and maintenance provided, including the availability of Keycloak commercial support.

• Integration

  Ensure the managed service can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and workflows.

Keycloak as a service offers a powerful, flexible, and efficient solution for managing user authentication and authorization. With options for hosting on AWS, Azure, or private cloud, and a range of benefits for both technical and non-technical companies, it’s an attractive choice for many organizations.

Managed Keycloak services provide reduced overhead, expert support, and enhanced security, making it easier than ever to leverage Keycloak’s capabilities. Supported by a rich community and extensive documentation, Keycloak is a great tool for identity and access management.

If you need help with Keycloak, our team has the experience to assist you. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.