PKI Solutions: Buy vs. Build

Abstract

Identity management (IdM) is becoming an essential service as part of corporate IT infrastructure. Traditionally, it was a component of shared IT systems, but an increasing number of vendors now are offering stand-alone IdM products and services. Leading-edge campuses have been constructing their own robust IdM solutions, typically based on Kerberos or PKI credentials, because off-the-shelf IdM systems and components seldom integrate with existing institutional processes and homegrown versions. This session will focus on the pros and cons of buying versus building a campus IdM based on PKI credentials. An overview of the many issues that need to be considered will be presented, along with presentations from two universities that have undertaken different solutions for their specific campuses.