Microsoft Entra ID is a commercial access management solution by Microsoft. Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services is a commercial access management solution by Optimal IdM. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
Best for: Companies running Microsoft 365
Entra ID earns its place because it is often already your identity provider, so the question is how far to extend it rather than whether to buy it. It fits companies of any size on Microsoft 365. Map what your current license includes against what you need, such as privileged identity management, before you add a second identity product.
From Best IAM Solutions for Business, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
Cloud-based identity and access management solution for enterprises
On-premise federated identity mgmt system with SSO and MFA capabilities
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
Microsoft Entra ID fits if you want a cloud product.
Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
Common questions when comparing Microsoft Entra ID vs Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services for access management.
Microsoft Entra ID: Cloud-based identity and access management solution for enterprises, built by Microsoft.
Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services: On-premise federated identity mgmt system with SSO and MFA capabilities, built by Optimal IdM.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Microsoft Entra ID is made by Microsoft. Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services is made by Optimal IdM. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. Microsoft Entra ID and Optimal IdM Optimal Federation & Identity Services are both Access Management products, and both cover Single Sign On, Authentication. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.
Need the answer fast? Best Access Management Solutions for Business picks Microsoft Entra ID, Okta Single Sign-On, Ping Identity Platform and 4 more.See the shortlist
