Imagine you’re the boss. People join and leave your company all the time. You need a way to give them access to software when they start—and take it away when they leave. That’s where user provisioning and deprovisioning come in. Okta is a common tool for this, but it’s not the only one! Let’s see how Okta alternatives handle these important jobs.
What is User Provisioning?
Provisioning means setting people up. When a new employee starts, they need access to things like:
- Slack
- Google Drive
- HR systems!
This setup needs to happen fast. Alternatives to Okta make it quick and easy. They automatically create user accounts across all tools. No more manual typing. No more waiting.
What is Deprovisioning?
Deprovisioning is the opposite. When someone leaves your company, they should lose access—fast. Otherwise, you risk security problems. Some old employees might still get into your data if this isn’t handled well. Yikes!
Popular Okta Alternatives
Here are some big names that give Okta a run for its money:
- JumpCloud
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
- OneLogin
- Auth0
- Rippling
Let’s break down how each of these handles user provisioning and deprovisioning—without getting boring!
JumpCloud
JumpCloud is like the Swiss army knife for identity. It can manage Windows, Mac, and Linux users. When you add someone new, it:
- Creates an account across apps
- Applies security policies
- Gives access to cloud systems
When someone leaves, JumpCloud pulls their access in just a few clicks. It has automated workflows that make it fast and secure.
Microsoft Entra ID
This one’s from Microsoft, so it works smoothly with Office 365 and Teams. When you create a new user, Entra ID can:
- Connect with over 3,000 cloud apps
- Set roles and permissions automatically
- Push access settings to different departments
For deprovisioning, it supports “Just-In-Time” revocation. That means access is gone the moment you suspend the user. Nice and tidy!
OneLogin
OneLogin is simple and fast. It offers “Smart Provisioning.” That means:
- User profiles are created by syncing with your HR system
- Single Sign-On (SSO) makes login easy
- You choose which apps each person can use
When someone leaves the company, OneLogin’s deprovisioning removes access from all linked apps at once. No more app hopping!
Auth0
Auth0 is more of a developer-focused tool. That means it’s super customizable. If you want fine control, it’s a great option. It lets you:
- Write custom rules for user setup
- Automate actions based on login and logout
- Integrate with your own apps easily
You can also set up hooks to remove access fast when a user is deleted or disabled. It’s geeky—but powerful!
Rippling
Rippling mixes HR with IT. So, when HR hires someone, it automatically:
- Creates email accounts
- Gives access to Slack, Zoom, and more
- Ships them a laptop with everything pre-installed
When someone quits or gets fired? Rippling deactivates their email, cuts off access to tools, and even wipes their laptop. Magical!
Final Thoughts
User provisioning and deprovisioning are a must for any business. You want to get people set up quickly—and shut them out just as fast when needed.
Okta does this well, but it’s not alone. These alternatives offer smarter, cheaper, and sometimes easier ways to handle users.
So before you drop all your money on one tool, try a few out. Pick the one that fits your people and your pace the best!
And remember—keeping access under control keeps your company safe. And that’s something worth logging in for.