WHAT IS IAM?

IAM suggests an assertion of identity: "I am...", which is what Identity and Access Management is all about: enabling users to assert their identity and entitlements in a manner that may be trusted by the services they seek to access.

The term 'Identity Management' (IDM) represents the processes, technologies and protocols that manage digital identities across systems and organisations.

IAM extends the scope of IDM to include how and in what circumstances digital identities may be used.  A digital identity is the electronic equivalent of physical identifiers such as a passport, driving licence, certificate or membership card. These ‘hard’ identities will probably be managed (issued and maintained) by many different organisations.  Digital identities are managed and used in a similar manner.