The build vs buy conundrum: Identity, access, and identity federation solutions

Managing user identities and access controls is crucial for modern businesses, especially with the rise of remote work, cloud computing, and stringent data privacy regulations. Organizations often face the decision of building a custom identity and access management (IAM) solution in-house or purchasing a third-party product. Developing an in-house IAM system allows for customization, proprietary knowledge retention, and better integration with existing systems but involves high costs, long development times, and ongoing maintenance challenges. On the other hand, buying a third-party solution, such as those offered by Ory, provides benefits like expert development, cost and time efficiency, scalability, compliance with security standards, and support from an active open-source community. Ory, for instance, offers open-source flexibility, a comprehensive range of features, and an admin portal that simplifies setup and maintenance, making it a practical choice for startups and smaller organizations seeking robust IAM capabilities without the complexities of developing their own solutions.