At first glance, the Internet of Things (IoT) is about nameless and faceless devices -- sensors, beacons and other technologies that gather information for big data systems. But take a closer look and you'll notice that LogMeIn sees the IoT opportunity a bit differently -- linking Identity and Access Management (IAM) to the IoT discussion.
LogMeIn predicts the Identity Manager solution will address products, endpoints and devices that may have multiple users. For instance, the company says:
"...homeowners may buy an Internet connected product (thermostat, smoke alarm, garage door opener, lighting system, etc.), but other people living in that home may also want access to at least some functions of said connected device. Manufacturers and third parties (e.g. service technicians) may also need regular or one-time exception-type access for remote management or customer service. New identities may need to be created or transferred to new owners of the same home."
Indeed, an average of four different people or organizations -- for example, IT, operations, sales, field service and customers -- require access to connected device data, a Forrester survey sponsored by LogMeIn found.
LogMeIn Xively Identity Manager Potential Uses
With such needs in mind, LogMeIn says Xively Identity Manager allows business to:
- Quickly rollout an identity solution to capture information of end users of connected devices;
- Create white-label identity – can be used by businesses to brand their own identity, embed identity in their own apps and web domains;
- Map identities to devices for access control, working in tandem with Xively Blueprint on security and authentication;
- Provide scalable access at runtime to ensure secure authentication at sub-second latency;
- Manage the full lifecycle of creation, onboarding, and decommissioning for both primary and secondary users; and
- build rich profile graphs of users to better map usage information and device data with specific customers and users for better service delivery and deeper customer relationships.
Internet of Things and Channel Partners?
So what's missing -- at least so far -- from the Xively Identity Manager discussion? I haven't heard if or how LogMeIn plans to promote the platform via resellers. Nor do I have a feel for whether MSPs can introduce Identity and Access Management services to their end-customers. But the white label approach suggests LogMeIn will lean heavily on the channel.
We're also watching to see how other Identity and Access Management (IAM) providers address the IoT opportunity. Okta, for instance, works with three types of partners -- application partners, technology partners and solutions providers.
It's a safe bet that Okta will update its identity and access management strategy during the company's user conference -- Oktane 15 (Nov. 2-4, Las Vegas). Karl McGuinness, Okta's senior director of identity, is set to describe the future of IoT and the role of identity and access management during the conference. We'll be watching to see what that means for partners.
