The Identity Fabric has evolved. Initially introduced as a conceptual model, it has grown into a foundational element for designing, implementing, and operating modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) architectures. Today, it provides both strategic orientation and architectural guidance. This evolution is reflected in the different visualizations of the Identity Fabric, ranging from simplified story-driven views to comprehensive architectural frameworks. Each of these views serves a specific purpose and addresses different stakeholder needs.
From Concept to Actionable Framework
The original Identity Fabric was a high-level abstraction. It helped explain the need for moving beyond traditional IAM, which was characterized by isolated silos and tool-centric deployments, towards a service-based, integrated approach. The vision was clear: Support for all types of identities across all types of systems, through a loosely coupled, yet well-integrated mesh of identity services.
Over time, the Identity Fabric has developed into an actionable framework. This is particularly evident in the current detailed graphic, shown in figure 1. It reflects the state of the art in enterprise IAM architecture: A layered model that includes capabilities (such as access governance or strong authentication), services (like entitlement or identity management), and tools (e.g., CIAM, IGA, PAM). All these are mapped to the broad range of identities and external systems and services.
Figure 1
At the architecture level, the trend is clearly towards more modularity. However, many vendors still promote “converged” solutions that aim to address multiple IAM use cases through an integrated stack. The Identity Fabric model supports both approaches. It enables organizations to start with a converged IAM platform and extend it modularly over time. Alternatively, it allows for the combination of solutions from different vendors in a loosely coupled manner. This approach reflects the reality in most organizations, where IAM is not greenfield. It is shaped by an existing landscape of tools in different states of maturity. The Identity Fabric therefore is not about rip-and-replace. It is about gradual transformation through orchestration and integration.
A Lean Version for Storytelling
To facilitate communication and understanding, especially among stakeholders who are less familiar with the detailed architecture, a simplified version of the Identity Fabric is now available. This version, shown in figure 2, captures the essence of the model. It highlights the key capabilities required to deliver on the purpose of IAM, namely, connecting everyone and everything to every service.
The lean view is less granular, but structurally consistent. It focuses on four core capabilities:
- User Lifecycle Management and Provisioning
- Access Governance
- Access Management and Authentication
- Authorization
It also maintains visibility of identity types and target systems, as well as the service and tool layers. It is well-suited for communicating the strategic value of the Identity Fabric and for introducing the concept to new audiences.
Figure 2
Different Views for Different Needs
It is important to emphasize that there is no single, definitive graphic for the Identity Fabric. The concept supports multiple views, tailored to different purposes:
- Strategic View: High-level, simplified variants like the lean version serve as communication and alignment tools. They help explain the Identity Fabric’s purpose and benefits to business decision-makers and stakeholders without requiring deep technical understanding.
- Implementation View: Detailed representations, such as the full Identity Fabric 2025 model, are intended for architects and technical leaders. They provide the depth needed to design, implement, and operate an Identity Fabric architecture that integrates existing systems and delivers on defined use cases.
- Future-Oriented View: Forward-looking models, such as the Identity Fabric for the 2040s presented during EIC 2025 (see **page 5** of the deck), explore strategic foundations for IAM in a world shaped by AI, quantum computing, and decentralization. These models introduce concepts such as mesh architectures, signal-based orchestration, and adaptive identity services, illustrating the long-term direction of identity architectures.
Each view complements the others. Together, they support both immediate planning and long-term strategy.
Simplification Supports Adoption
Simplification, when done thoughtfully, does not mean loss of relevance. On the contrary, having a simplified version of the Identity Fabric improves accessibility and adoption. It allows for consistent communication, easier onboarding, and more effective stakeholder engagement. At the same time, the underlying structure and principles remain intact, enabling a seamless transition to more detailed planning and implementation.
This approach also allows the Identity Fabric to be used more flexibly, both as a conceptual model and as a practical tool for IAM programs at various stages of maturity.
A Foundation That Scales
The Identity Fabric is not only a model for today, but also a foundation for the future. As IAM continues to evolve, modularity, orchestration, and interoperability will remain key principles. Whether the goal is to unify legacy systems, extend capabilities, or prepare for next-generation architectures, the Identity Fabric provides a consistent and scalable framework.
Supporting multiple views of the Identity Fabric is essential for meeting the needs of diverse stakeholders, managing complexity, and enabling organizations to move forward with confidence, step by step.
