Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Microsoft Identity Manager Logo

Microsoft Identity Manager Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
3.9 out of 5
Leave a review

What is Microsoft Identity Manager?

Microsoft Identity Manager (MIM) builds on the identity and access management capabilities of Forefront Identity Manager. MIM helps you manage the users, credentials, policies, and access within your organization. Additionally, MIM adds a hybrid experience, privileged access management capabilities, and support for new platforms.

Get the Microsoft Identity Manager Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Identity Manager, Microsoft Entra ID, SailPoint Identity Security Cloud and more!
Microsoft Identity Manager is the #10 ranked solution in top Identity Management (IM) solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Identity Manager an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Microsoft Identity Manager is most commonly compared to Microsoft Entra ID: Microsoft Identity Manager vs Microsoft Entra ID. Microsoft Identity Manager is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 69% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a government, accounting for 11% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Identity Manager
August 2025
Get the report
Helped 866,218 peers since 2012

Featured Microsoft Identity Manager reviews

Read more reviews

Microsoft Identity Manager mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Identity Manager in the Identity Management (IM) category stands at 3.4%, down from 6.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Identity Management (IM) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Microsoft Identity Manager3.4%
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud19.4%
Microsoft Entra ID12.5%
Other64.7%
Identity Management (IM)

PeerResearch reports based on Microsoft Identity Manager reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryIdentity Management (IM)Aug 29, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Identity Manager vs SailPoint Identity Security CloudAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Identity Manager vs Microsoft Entra IDAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonMicrosoft Identity Manager vs One Identity ManagerAug 29, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Microsoft Entra ID4.312.5%95%235 interviewsAdd to research
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud4.219.4%96%71 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Microsoft Identity Manager's most valuable features include seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, robust security, and easy configuration. It supports security through conditional access and privileged identity management, integrates with Office 365 and other apps, and is included with Azure AD's premium versions. Users value its user-friendly interface, self-service password reset, and policy customization, contributing to enhanced security, compliance, and end-to-end visibility across local and cloud environments. Its licensing model is attractive to businesses.
  • "The best features of Microsoft Identity Manager are its 100% compatibility with Active Directory, the ability to customize IAM policies as required, and its simplicity in design."
  • "The integration with other Microsoft ecosystems, such as Graph API, is really cool."
  • "The integration with other Microsoft ecosystems, such as Graph API, is really cool."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Identity Manager needs more connectors and enhanced integration with third-party tools. Security features require improvement, especially in tracking user behavior and providing comprehensive documentation. Users face challenges with support and the solution's dependency on SQL Server. Its interface lacks intuitiveness, and its functionality for Linux and legacy systems is limited. Enhanced policy management, simplified on-premise requirements, and integration with cloud-based solutions like Azure Active Directory and Entra ID should be considered.
  • "Microsoft Identity Manager can be improved by integrating it with Entra ID as a SaaS application or by having a cloud-based connector, as it is currently limited to on-prem scenarios, and a combination of both would be a great solution compared to competitors such as SailPoint or One Identity Manager."
  • "Integration with third parties and enhanced policy management could be improved. The current policy management features are limited, and custom, flexible policies would be ideal."
  • "Integration with third parties and enhanced policy management could be improved."

ROI

Many users do not prioritize ROI specifically from Microsoft Identity Manager, using it more for compliance purposes. Some observe time savings and improved efficiency, attributing about 15% ROI to automation and reduced oversight. Customers report enhanced security features like multifactor authentication and delegated administration, boosting security. Some users appreciate the standardized tool for ease and reduced training costs. However, clear ROI often varies based on specific use cases with Windows-based resources.

Pricing

Microsoft Identity Manager pricing is often bundled within premium Microsoft licenses, such as Microsoft Azure P2 and E3 subscriptions, providing cost-effective access to identity management features. While some find it expensive or rate it poorly in terms of pricing, others believe it offers decent value, particularly when integrated with an Azure license. The solution's pricing reflects Microsoft's market position, with costs tied to extensive service bundles.
  • "The tool's price is low for my company."
  • "My rating for the pricing of Microsoft Identity Manager is average, neither too expensive nor too cheap."
  • "The solution is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Microsoft Identity Manager for identity and access management, securing identity compliance, and lifecycle management. It supports single sign-on, synchronization, and provisioning within environments using Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, and hybrid cloud systems. It aids in automating employee lifecycle processes from hiring to exit and integrates with applications for seamless authentication. Microsoft Identity Manager is utilized extensively in sectors like finance and education for managing access and credentials.

Service and Support

Microsoft customer service for Microsoft Identity Manager is generally rated around 7 to 9 out of 10. Many find technical support responsive but sometimes slow, requiring navigating multiple levels to reach the right engineer. They praise dedicated engineers and knowledgeable support, though some highlight the need for faster response times and better documentation. Complexities in support, especially in various regions, and unequal service levels for different customers are noted as common challenges.

Deployment

Many found Microsoft Identity Manager's initial setup complex, particularly when integrating with legacy systems. Configurations depend on pre-existing policies and components like SSL certificates. While some installations took up to six months, others found it straightforward, especially with on-premises Active Directory and policies in place. Expertise is needed for comprehensive setups. User experiences range from simple, requiring few hours to several days or months, often depending on internal resources and clarity of company policies.

Scalability

Microsoft Identity Manager is generally viewed as scalable for enterprise use, supporting large user bases effectively. Some users manage tens of thousands of identities. However, small businesses may face challenges due to the required infrastructure and costs. The on-premises version may struggle with over 100,000 users, but cloud-based alternatives like Microsoft Azure Active Directory are recommended for scalability. Opinions vary, with some praising its scalability highly while others note limitations.

Stability

Microsoft Identity Manager is highly stable. Users find it consistently reliable, with many rating it eight or nine out of ten. Some have noted challenges with SharePoint integrations and occasional configuration issues, but monthly updates enhance stability. Users in Microsoft environments find it more stable, enjoying benefits from continuous improvements. Though a few report syncing deviations, MIM is regarded as a dependable choice, especially in complex identity management environments.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Microsoft Identity Manager Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business12
Midsize Enterprise3
Large Enterprise8
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business100
Midsize Enterprise66
Large Enterprise371
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Government
11%
Computer Software Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Educational Organization
7%
University
5%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Retailer
5%
Healthcare Company
4%
Insurance Company
3%
Transportation Company
3%
Non Profit
3%
Construction Company
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Consumer Goods Company
2%
Media Company
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Marketing Services Firm
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Agriculture
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Leisure / Travel Company
1%

Compare Microsoft Identity Manager with alternative products

Go!

Learn more about Microsoft Identity Manager

Microsoft Identity Manager was previously known as MIM, Forefront Identity Manager, FIM, MS Identity Manager.

Microsoft Identity Manager customers

Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Whole Foods Market

Related questions

  • 29
Looking for an Identity and Access Management product for an energy and utility organization
  • 14
Which Identity and Access Management solution do you use?
  • 56
What are your best practices for Identity and Access Management (IAM) in the Cloud?
  • 6
What are some tips for effective identity and access management to prevent insider data breaches?
  • 18
Which is the best legacy IDM solution for SAP GRC?
  • 46
Sailpoint IdentityIQ vs Oracle identity Governance
  • 20
OpenIAM vs Ping identity
  • 3
When evaluating Identity and Access Management, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 13
What access management tools would you recommend to help with GDPR compliance?
  • 19
How to convince a client that Identity and Access Management (IdAM) is essential for risk elimination?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Identity Management (IM)

Popular Comparisons

Popular Comparisons
Microsoft Entra ID vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Microsoft Entra ID vs Microsoft Identity Manager
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Omada Identity vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Omada Identity vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Saviynt vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Saviynt vs Microsoft Identity Manager
One Identity Manager vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
One Identity Manager vs Microsoft Identity Manager
ForgeRock vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
ForgeRock vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Microsoft Entra ID Protection vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Microsoft Entra ID Protection vs Microsoft Identity Manager
SAP Identity Management vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
SAP Identity Management vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Oracle Identity Governance vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Oracle Identity Governance vs Microsoft Identity Manager
EVOLVEUM midPoint vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
EVOLVEUM midPoint vs Microsoft Identity Manager
OpenText Identity Manager vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
OpenText Identity Manager vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Symantec Identity Governance and Administration vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Symantec Identity Governance and Administration vs Microsoft Identity Manager
IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
IBM Security Identity Governance and Intelligence vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Transmit Security vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Transmit Security vs Microsoft Identity Manager
Imprivata Identity Governance vs Microsoft Identity Manager Logo
Imprivata Identity Governance vs Microsoft Identity Manager
See all alternatives
 
Microsoft Identity Manager Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Consultant at IOM - UN Migration4.0Microsoft Identity Manager is primarily used to automate Active Directory, excelling with its 100% compatibility and customizable IAM policies. However, it can be improved by integrating with Entra ID for cloud scenarios and simplifying migration processes.
Senior SOC Developer at XVE Security4.0We use Microsoft Identity Manager for a zero trust network with seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, improving security and compliance. However, it needs better third-party integration and policy management. We switched from AWS IAM due to Windows compatibility.
Senior Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees3.0Microsoft Identity Manager handles identity verification for employees and clients, though it's set to be retired. We value its access features but find it complex and poorly supported. We see no ROI and plan to transition to Azure Identity.
CISO at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees5.0I primarily use Microsoft Identity Manager to manage identities and enforce secure policies and workflows. The granular policies and report features significantly enhance security and compliance. I previously used Microsoft's on-premise Akidiva Directory and haven't identified improvement areas yet.
IT expert at Hamburg Port Authority4.0As an IT specialist in the public sector, I find Microsoft Identity Manager easy to use with valuable features like self-service password reset, though it needs better documentation and flexibility. We transitioned from a homegrown solution to standardize our systems.
Information Technology Architect at GMS INC4.0In our organization, Microsoft Identity Manager simplifies user access with single sign-on and efficient admin controls. It keeps improving with features like zero trust, though better documentation is needed for complex features to maximize its potential.
Owner at a computer software company with 1-10 employees4.5We use Microsoft Identity Manager for identity management workflows, valuing its integration with Office 365 and hybrid cloud environments. Its ROI is notable in enhanced security. However, it could better support legacy products and on-premise infrastructure.
Consultant at IOM - UN Migration4.0I use Microsoft Identity Manager for user provisioning and lifecycle management, finding it easy to configure with good documentation and a user-friendly portal. However, it lacks direct Azure Active Directory integration and cloud capabilities as a SaaS solution.