Delegated Administration as a Solution for B2B Use Cases

The influx of new requirements in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) environment necessitates the development of specialized systems beyond the classic IAM tools. These specialized systems include Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM), which cater to specific identity types such as employees, privileged users, and customers. However, there is an emerging need for a dedicated system to manage partner identities (B2B), which have traditionally been managed as employee identities. The increasing complexities of partner relationships demand a unique approach called "Enable your Partner" (EYP) instead of the customer-focused "Know Your Customer" (KYC).

The central challenges in partner management, categorized into four primary use cases, can be effectively addressed through "delegated administration." This method empowers partners to handle their administration within a defined scope provided by the company through self-service processes, thereby creating a win-win situation.

PlainID's Partner Manager addresses these needs through a B2B Access Management solution by structuring partner management both as an organization and at the identity level via a centralized and a delegated admin console. The centralized console provides an overview and manages the organizational aspects, while the delegated console allows partners to manage their areas autonomously.

The necessity of a dedicated B2B IAM solution is underscored by the growing partner networks and complex hierarchical relationships which cannot be managed efficiently by existing IAM tools. The development of partner-focused IAM solutions allows for efficient onboarding, autonomous administration, reduced IT effort, enhanced partner satisfaction, and improved transparency and control.

• IAM for internal identities was one of the earliest identity management solutions.
• The IAM industry saw the evolution from managing internal identities to privileged access and then customer identities.
• CIAM emerged following the limitations of traditional IAM in managing customer identities.
• Partner identities have traditionally been managed as employee identities but now require distinct solutions.
• The emerging requirement for B2B IAM solutions parallels the earlier needs that led to PAM and CIAM.
• Existing IAM solutions for employees are increasingly inadequate for managing complex partner identities.
• Efficient partner management can generate competitive advantages and mutual business benefits.
• Partner networks are growing in size and complexity, necessitating more efficient and automated IAM processes.
• Delegated administration allows partners to manage their own workers and resources autonomously within defined boundaries.
• Efficient management of partner identities involves both upstream and downstream supply chain partners.

• "Enable your Partner (EYP) would be more appropriate than Know your Partner (KYP)."
• "Partners need deep integration into the company's system for effective collaboration."
• "Delegated administration offers a practical method for managing diverse and complex partner networks."
• "New requirements must be assessed based on identity type."
• "Efficient onboarding and self-administration can streamline partner management."
• "Delegated administration allows partners the necessary control over their own business."
• "The centralization of partner management and the decentralization of responsibility create transparency and control."
• "Increase partner satisfaction by efficient and automated processes and intuitive interfaces."
• "In today's world, the demands for flexibility and cooperation from companies are increasing."
• "Existing IAM solutions for employees are inadequate for managing complex partner identities."