The sky’s the limit thanks to cloud computing for network identity management software. And now, it is much more secure.

It seems as if the sky is clearing just a little in the world of cloud computing, specifically in terms of security priorities. Although there is a sense of infancy among the cloud movement, potential threats are driving up an increased need for new software across system applications.

Due to the influx of sensitive data processed outside the firewall, consumer risk has risen, triggering a need to secure boundaries between private, hybrid and public services. While businesses are ultimately responsible for the security of their own data, software programs are attempting to make this easier with increased regulatory compliance, data segregation, data locators, and password protection programs.

Best-in-Class Network Identity Management Software features:

• Management of applications in a secure private cloud
• Reduction in overhead cost and time by deploying and connecting businesses at one secure access point
• Protection of all assets in cloud infrastructure, including databases, network appliances and all sensitive data, including passwords

Top Considerations Before Buying Network Identity Management Software:
Forrester analyst Chenxi Wang summed it up best, "Don't ever compromise any security goals or requirements just because you're moving to the cloud."

Key Providers:
1. BrainTree Technology makes dbDataFinder software, which scans an enterprise to pinpoint sources of confidential data as well as additional subsets, copies, and exports of that data. It can identify files and databases that contain confidential data, payment card information or customer data, within spreadsheets, Access databases, Oracle and SQL RDBMS and other document and file types. Their solutions are designed to ensure PCI and customer data, as well as confidential and privacy-related data.

2. The Novell Cloud Security Service and Identity Manager provides web-based identity protection and access solutions within the cloud computing community. An integrated web-based IAM solution allows businesses to access security policies and regulate identities without compromising compliance reporting and core business structures. Due to multiple integration styles within different identity and access management systems, Novell Cloud Security Service translates identity tokens in any format. Novell also features tracking and reporting of compliance events from the cloud to provide to customers.

3. Delivered in a SaaS model, Panda Cloud Protection offers uninterrupted security for desktops, laptops, removable devices and all servers integrated. Remote security management, protection against viruses and spam, and minimal resource consumption makes Panda’s Cloud Protection software program an efficient identity management system for companies. This system is the ultimate trifecta in protecting internal office servers, email, and internet.

4. nCircle Suite360 provides automated security and compliance auditing through an agentless product line. It can audit IT functionality across a global network, with automatic vulnerability discovery, audits for configuration compliance and file integrity monitoring. nCircle aims for an overall view of an organization’s IT to eliminate having to manage separate products. Using an agentless product means that nCircle audits all assets and devices, including IP phones, routers, switches, firewalls and printers. Dashboards and automated reports add to ease of use.

5. Microsoft’s Forefront Identity Manager 2010 software provides extensive database resources in a secure cloud network. Boasting more end user self-service and automated IT administration, this software program has enhanced automation for IT professionals and .NET and WS-* based extensibility for developers. Organizations are provided with new solutions to manage passwords, user accounts, and smart cards. Spanning across Windows and other heterogeneous environments, this program focuses on using identity-based policies. Most importantly, companies are automatically registered to access valuable resources assembled in one convenient location.

Network Identity Management Software
Definition: Network Identity Management Software bridges business processes and technology used to manage data on IT systems and applications about users across a broad network. Partnered data includes user objects, identity attributes, security entitlements and authentication factors. Network identity management software is used to automate administrative tasks, such as resetting user passwords across a network.