IBM Security Verify Access vs Microsoft Entra External ID comparison

IBM Security Verify Access vs. Microsoft Entra External ID

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Security Verify Access

Ranking in Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

14th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Single Sign-On (SSO) (14th), Identity Management (IM) (19th), Access Management (12th)

Microsoft Entra External ID

Ranking in Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

10th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

5.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) (6th), Microsoft Security Suite (16th)

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2026, in the Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) category, the mindshare of IBM Security Verify Access is 1.9%, down from 2.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Entra External ID is 1.6%, down from 2.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft Entra External ID	1.6%
IBM Security Verify Access	1.9%
Other	96.5%

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

Featured Reviews

Ateeq Rehman

Unit Head System Implementor at Allied Bank Limited

Has improved secure user access while managing development through multiple technologies

I have already explained this in my previous call; I don't handle financial terms and commercials. Pricing is generally managed by functional teams and management looking after licensing matters. In Pakistan, vendors such as Oracle and IBM manage account relationships with clients and have tailored pricing models, so I do not have sufficient insights into that aspect.IBM Security Verify Access installation process is not straightforward; it requires underlying specialized knowledge upon which the IBM products are based. The complexity and scalability of the architecture necessitate in-depth technical knowledge and understanding of the system. Thus, installation is not as simple as clicking through; it requires extensive configuration of the underlying application servers, such as IBM WebSphere, where these products are deployed and configured.

Read full review

Sameh Andrawes

IT Manager at Alex Apparels

Identity platform has strengthened policy control, security monitoring, and user management

Not really at the moment, but perhaps when we go deeper into using Microsoft Entra External ID, we may experience some things we may not prefer. However, up to now, we have not encountered anything that I consider a problem or disadvantage. If we apply more features, let's say we applied mobile device management for a few machines, a few mobiles, and some computers, and it worked, but I do not know what will happen when we apply this to the rest of the network, which is 1,500 computers and more than 2,000 mobiles. I do not know what to say regarding new features that could be added to Microsoft Entra External ID. Perhaps we can integrate this with our ERP systems for the HR systems that we are going to have. Perhaps with this integration, we can find this application more practical.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature of IBM Security Access Manager, at least for my company, is multi-factor authentication. That's the only feature my company is using. The solution works well and has no glitches. IBM Security Access Manager is a very good solution, so my company is still using it."

"The tool provides a password vault, single sign-on, and multifactor authentication. It offers various authentication methods like fingerprint integration, one-time passwords, or tokens sent via email or SMS. This ensures secure access to your accounts by providing multiple authentication options."

"The solution has powerful authentification and authorization. It offers a good way to increase security."

"IBM Security Access Manager is a very good solution, so my company is still using it."

"Its stability and UI are most valuable."

"It can do a lot of different functions, and different types of teams can use this product for a variety of use cases, such as RSA, OTP, and single sign-on functionalities."

"IBM Security Verify Access is providing a secure way of handling the user login journey, and secure user authentication is fully managed by ISAM or ISVA."

"From the integration point of view, it supports SAML, OIDC, and OAuth; for legacy applications that don't have support for SAML and other new protocols, it provides single sign-on access to end-users, and from the integration compatibility point of view, it is highly capable."

More IBM Security Verify Access pros

"Microsoft Entra External ID offers numerous advantages; there's no need to maintain anything on-premises, which results in a significant IT infrastructure cost saving."

"The best features of Microsoft Entra External ID include its unification of B2C functionality and B2E features."

"The times that I have gone into it, I found it easy to use and I haven't had any issues with it."

"It's similar to using a Microsoft account to create accounts on other websites. We are also using Microsoft Entra to monitor which applications our guests are using. This allows us to filter, block, or adjust permissions for these applications as needed for our collaborators."

"The positive impact of Microsoft Entra External ID on my organization is that it enhances ease of use for the administrative side."

"The experience has been rather good; there are other possibilities, but we made the choice to go with Microsoft, and we have a good experience with that."

"Primarily Microsoft Entra External ID SSO is valuable as it works with everything when it comes to integration."

"The fact that it is quite integrated into the entire Microsoft environment makes it quite easy to use."

More Microsoft Entra External ID pros

Cons

"IBM Security Verify Access installation process is not straightforward; it requires underlying specialized knowledge upon which the IBM products are based."

"What we'd like improved in IBM Security Access Manager is its onboarding process as it's complex, particularly when onboarding new applications. We need to be very, very careful during the onboarding. We have no issues with IBM Security Access Manager because the solution works fine, apart from the onboarding process and IBM's involvement in onboarding issues. If we need support related to the onboarding, we've noticed a pattern where support isn't available, or they don't have much experience, or we're not getting a response from them. We're facing the same issue with IBM Guardium. As we're just focusing on the multi-factor authentication feature of IBM Security Access Manager and we didn't explore any other features, we don't have additional features to suggest for the next release of the solution, but we're in discussion about exploring ID management and access management features, but those are just possibilities because right now, we're focused on exploring our domain."

"They can improve the single sign-on configuration for OIDC and OAuth. That is not very mature in this product, and they can improve it in this particular area. OIDC is a third-party integration that we do with the cloud platforms, and OAuth is an authorization mechanism for allowing a user having an account with Google or any other provider to access an application. Organizations these days are looking for just-in-time provisioning use cases, but IBM Security Access Manager is not very mature for such use cases. There are only a few applications that can be integrated, and this is where this product is lagging. However, in terms of configuration and single sign-on mechanisms, it is a great product."

"Configuration could be simplified for the end-user."

"They can improve the single sign-on configuration for OIDC and OAuth. That is not very mature in this product, and they can improve it in this particular area."

"The user interface for users and administrators could be improved to make it easier. Automating some functions could also be beneficial."

"What we'd like improved in IBM Security Access Manager is its onboarding process as it's complex, particularly when onboarding new applications."

"There are a lot of areas that can be improved, but the main area is the lack of customization. You cannot easily customize anything in the product. It is not easy to tweak the functionality. It is challenging to change the out-of-the-box functionality."

More IBM Security Verify Access cons

"The problem with Microsoft products is that they often cater to enterprise-level needs, which can be too costly for medium-sized businesses."

"The quality of Microsoft customer support varies. With an enterprise contract, good resources are usually provided, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia or UAE. However, we have faced challenges with support quality, especially in some subcontinent areas where the resources might not be as experienced."

"A common concern among the customers I visit is the unpredictability of Microsoft's costs at every renewal. This is really bothersome for the customer, and I would say it is the worst element I have seen in these years."

"The only problem that you might face with Microsoft now is their complex licensing model."

"As of latest, when it comes to my experience, I am not satisfied."

"The training generally is complicated to understand, leading us to often go through a managed service provider."

"There is room for improvement in AI technology for Microsoft Entra External ID, particularly in providing detailed alerts."

"I generally find Microsoft solutions expensive, especially in specific offerings."

More Microsoft Entra External ID cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product is not expensive. It depends on the number of users."

"The license and costs depend on the amount range of users you have. For just approximately 2,000 users, the price is practical and fair. However, when you have 20,000 users, it starts to become really expensive, and the discount per user is not attractive enough to go ahead and purchase."

"It costs about 300K AED for a year. Its pricing is a bit on the higher end, but in comparison to other products in the market, its price is still better. There are lots of other products that are very costly."

"We don't pay separately for Microsoft Entra External ID as it's part of our Microsoft Exchange subscription."

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913,806 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

15%

Computer Software Company

11%

Outsourcing Company

Insurance Company

Financial Services Firm

14%

Computer Software Company

10%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	4

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	6

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with IBM Security Access Manager?

What is your primary use case for IBM Security Access Manager?

We are still using the IBM BPM platform to automate the processes for our organization.I generally use Microsoft Project for project planning and schedule management, especially in relation to Orac...

What advice do you have for others considering IBM Security Access Manager?

My current domain is leading project development, overseeing both technical and functional areas in process automation and orchestration, along with the hands-on implementation of process automatio...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Entra External ID?

Microsoft is flexible in the pricing for the product, so I cannot say that it is expensive, but definitely they are flexible in the price lists and their ways of doing payments.

What needs improvement with Microsoft Entra External ID?

What is your primary use case for Microsoft Entra External ID?

When I say identity, I mean Microsoft Entra External ID. We have been using Microsoft Entra External ID since the beginning of 2022. I am using it as a client. The purposes for using Microsoft Entr...

Okta Platform vs IBM Security Verify Access

Comparisons

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Compared 8% of the time

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Compared 7% of the time

Ping Identity Platform vs IBM Security Verify Access

Compared 6% of the time

i-Sprint AccessMatrix Universal Access Management vs IBM Security Verify Access

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Microsoft Entra ID vs Microsoft Entra External ID

Compared 12% of the time

Auth0 Platform vs Microsoft Entra External ID

Compared 10% of the time

Okta Platform vs Microsoft Entra External ID

Compared 9% of the time

Microsoft Defender for Identity vs Microsoft Entra External ID

Compared 5% of the time

Google Cloud Identity vs Microsoft Entra External ID

Compared 5% of the time

More Microsoft Entra External ID Competitors

Product Reports

IBM Security Verify Access

Download IBM Security Verify Access product report

Microsoft Entra External ID

Download Microsoft Entra External ID product report

Also Known As

IBM Security Verify Access (SVA), IBM Security Access Manager, ISAM

Azure Active Directory External Identities

Overview

IBM Security Verify Access offers adaptable access management with multi-factor authentication, seamless protocol integration, and strong user management, suitable for cloud and on-premises environments.

IBM Security Verify Access provides multi-factor authentication, seamless integration with protocols like SAML and OAuth, and features including password vaults and single sign-on. Its adaptable nature allows for deployment both in cloud and on-premises settings. Users appreciate its quick setup, reliable authorization, and efficient user management, especially when integrated with Active Directory. The intuitive interface enhances security with mobile features like QR code enrollment, making it suitable for diverse environments. However, cloud deployment could be simpler, and the interface could use enhancements for better ease. Onboarding applications and support availability need improvements, and configuration for OIDC and OAuth should mature. More comprehensive documentation and simplified installation are also needed, along with automation to reduce resource consumption.

What are the key features of IBM Security Verify Access?

Multi-Factor Authentication: Offers robust multi-layered security.
Integration with Protocols: Works with SAML and OAuth for seamless connectivity.
Password Vaults: Secure storage for user credentials.
Single Sign-On: Streamlines access across platforms.
Active Directory Integration: Ensures efficient user management.
Mobile Features: Includes QR code enrollment for enhanced security.

What benefits or ROI can users expect to find in the reviews?

Rapid Setup: Quick deployment in cloud and on-premises environments.
Reliable Authorization: Trustworthy access control and management.
Security Enhancements: Through multi-factor authentication and mobile features.
Streamlined Processes: Simplified access management with single sign-on.

IBM Security Verify Access is widely used in the banking and educational sectors for access management, supporting activities like single sign-on and control across different user groups. Many in these industries utilize it for customer authentication and integrate it with mobile systems to enhance security. Its adaptability allows it to serve complex needs, particularly useful in environments such as universities and financial institutions.

IBM

Microsoft Entra External ID provides streamlined identity management with features like Active Directory integration, multi-factor authentication, and centralized user management, supporting both B2C and B2E needs. It's designed to enhance security while simplifying access management across applications.

Microsoft Entra External ID enhances identity management by offering easy setup, robust monitoring, and centralized user management. It supports compliance with comprehensive reporting and integrates seamlessly with Azure. While it facilitates cross-company collaboration, user lifecycle management, and B2B guest access, users note the need for improved technical support, faster synchronization speeds, and more customizable interfaces. Integration with open-source software, legacy tools, and ERP systems is advised along with a more predictable pricing model and improved federated login security. Current licensing complexity and the need for more user-friendly interfaces are areas for development.

What are the most important features?

Ease of Setup: Quick installation process enhances efficiency for IT teams.
Active Directory Integration: Seamless connection with existing Microsoft infrastructure for streamlined operations.
Multi-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security for enhanced user protection.
Centralized User Management: Efficiently manage identities from a single platform.
Single Sign-On and Adaptive Authentication: Simplifies access while enhancing security.
Unified B2C and B2E Functionality: Maximizes identity management for internal and external users.

What benefits should users look for?

Cost Savings: Reduces infrastructure needs, lowering operational expenses.
Enhanced Security: Provides robust protection with adaptive authentication and monitoring.
Compliance Support: Detailed reporting ensures adherence to regulatory standards.
Integration Capability: Seamlessly connects with Azure and other platforms for efficient workflow.
User Lifecycle Management: Streamlines the processes of provisioning and de-provisioning.

In sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare, Microsoft Entra External ID is utilized for managing complex access needs and compliance requirements, supporting projects involving Active Directory, Microsoft Teams, and cloud-based infrastructures. These industries leverage its capabilities for managing identities and improving secure collaboration while ensuring alignment with existing on-premises systems.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

POST Luxembourg

Information Not Available

IBM Security Verify Access vs. Microsoft Entra External ID