Why cloud deployment solutions are your best bet for access management

The consensus is clear -- cloud deployment is the future of third-party access management. With increased security, the fact that most of the programs and data third parties access are already on the cloud, and many more benefits, switching to a cloud-first approach makes more sense than ever. In fact, by 2025, Gartner predicts that 55% of large organizations will implement a cloud-only strategy.

What is cloud deployment and maintenance?

We promise it’s not as complicated as the name suggests. Instead of an on-premise server, this method utilizes the cloud for deployment and future maintenance of an access management system. The product and experience are exactly the same, but the location offers a variety of benefits.

What are the benefits of cloud deployment?

1. cloud deployment is seamless and efficient.

Deploying your vendor management solution in the cloud can greatly simplify network configuration. Instead of having an outside team build a physical server and work with your organization’s team to deploy that server on-premise, this option allows every technical detail to be set up and deployed remotely through the cloud. It’s simpler for every party involved, and it can reduce an onboarding timeline from weeks to just a couple of days. If you have a widely distributed network with sites across the country or beyond, putting your vendor management system in the cloud may allow you to locate that system closer to the sites being accessed or even deploy multiple appliances to serve different regions. The public cloud offers a more economically feasible way of doing this, rather than having to install physical servers in other regions.

2. cloud-based access management is cost-effective over the long term.

In addition to the money saved through the condensed onboarding process that happens through cloud deployment, this method can save an organization money in the long run by making access times faster and configurations easier. Any updates or maintenance that will be needed over time can also happen quicker and easier through the cloud. As cloud-deployment solutions become more common, costs are coming down and becoming more competitive, which will reduce cost over time as well.

3. cloud deployment solutions limit the burden on your it staff.

If you don’t have the staff to manage the hardware and operating system (OS) of a vendor management appliance, or you would just rather not have to allocate those resources, having a fully managed cloud vendor management system can lighten that load. This allows you to get the immediate benefits of the system for your vendor managers without having to deal with infrastructure, which encapsulates the concept of cloud computing in general. A condensed onboarding eliminates the need to leverage an organization’s IT staff and infrastructure. This allows for more agile, affordable, and efficient deployment and maintenance.

4. cloud-based access management solutions deliver the same parity and security as on-premise servers.

While this wasn’t always the case, the cloud is just as secure as physical servers nowadays. In addition, cloud deployment does meet regulatory guidelines, including those set by HIPAA. Many highly regulated industries use cloud deployment, and there are compliant and secure ways to do so. Utilizing the cloud offers the same features and functionality as any on-premise solution with easier, faster, and more affordable characteristics.

5. cloud deployment works with access management software and patient privacy monitoring software.

Many access management software programs, as well as patient privacy monitoring software, have already chosen a cloud-first approach. This highlights not only the security of the cloud, but the compliance with regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA requirements for third-party access and management.

Are there risks to cloud-deployment and cloud-based services?

It’s understandable to have apprehensions about a cloud-first management solution. If you can’t see the cloud, how do you know it’s as secure as a physical, on-premise server? However, recent advancements in both security and technology have shown the cloud is secure, complies with regulatory requirements, and eases the burden of your staff both during and after deployment. The future is here and that future is the cloud. At the end of the day, the cloud allows security companies to onboard vendors faster and easier, while still offering the best experience and products on the cybersecurity market.