What is a "best-of-breed" strategy?
A "best-of-breed" strategy is all about picking the best software and application of its kind, regardless of supplier. For example, an application for communication may be from a different supplier than the one for document processing, while a third supplier supplies the HR system.
This strategy is opposed to a so-called "best-of-suite" strategy, which entails choosing the best overall provider of the applications or functions the company needs. Typical examples are Microsoft Office365, Oracle, and SAP.
What is the advantage of a "best-of-breed" strategy?
The main advantage of a "best-of-breed" strategy is that the organization gets the very best applications for its needs within each segment. In addition, it also provides more room for flexibility. If it is desirable to replace one of the solutions, there is no risk of subsequent problems with applications that depend on each other in order to function.
By going for a "best-of-suite" strategy, there will be individual applications that are not considered the best on the market or that do not work optimally for the business. A turnkey supplier will not be able to be good at everything. However, the organization gets a good overview, as well as well-integrated applications that interact seamlessly across each other.
An IAM solution enables the best of both worlds
The organization must weigh the advantages and disadvantages against each other when choosing a strategy, but what if there was an opportunity to get the cake and eat it too? With an IAM (Identity and Access Management) solution, you can get many of the same benefits of a "best-of-suite" strategy as with a "best-of-breed".
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Overview of all applications
With many different suppliers, it can be easy to lose track of users and licenses. By connecting the individual applications to the IAM platform, it is easy to have an overview of all the applications. The solution will contribute to good control over your users and what they have access to, as well as good license management.
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Fast and user-friendly access to all applications
The IAM platform will make the applications easily accessible to all employees. Single Sign-On and efficient distribution of user data means that users can easily log in to services that are ready when they need them. Not several days later when support has capacity. This will apply to all services and applications in the company and not just those that are under the umbrella of a "best-of-suite" solution.
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Access control across all applications
The access management of an IAM solution makes it just as easy to keep track of user data and access for new and departing employees as with a "best-of-suite" solution. Processes such as creating and deleting users, possibly transferring remaining data and files to other users, can be easily done across all applications.
In summary, an IAM solution will make application management significantly easier if the organization chooses a "best-of-breed" strategy.
