JumpCloud Directory-as-a-Service is a vendor agnostic, endpoint-centric, and cloud-based access management platform. It facilitates the management of user access to systems, applications, and resources in a single-pane view. The zero on-premise architecture provides secure hybrid identity and access management control through several integrations to connect any person to any resource from anywhere.
JumpCloud has a relatively straightforward setup process. The agents are relatively easy to install and there is effective documentation to troubleshoot most difficulties. We ran into one minor roadblock that was not supported with documentation. Upon adding the Windows agent, we received the following error message: “Could not register with JumpCloud. Please check connect key.” It turns out that our initial install failed because the installer had left behind the plugin folder. Once we deleted the plugin forlder manually and then reinstalled it, we had no further issues. Although we doubt that many people will encounter this same problem, it is evident there is a bug in the installer.
There is a tutorial wizard that walks administrators through the process of creating their first user and resource. JumpCloud uses color coding to reflect the current health of all accounts. Green indicates that a password is set and that the account is healthy and active. Orange means that the account has been created but is not yet fully active since the password is still pending. Red warns that a password has expired or an end-user is locked out, while gray indicates that an administrator has suspended the account entirely. The platform supports bulk importation from various directories, drastically simplifying implementation. Every 90 seconds, bi-directional agent synchronization checks for active directory updates to user states and passwords. JumpCloud reflects all changes made in the directory and vice versa.
All configurations are as simple as point-and-click. Groups are composed of either systems, users, or RADIUS servers. By assigning relevant and necessary applications to a user group, administrators immediately grant access to these applications to all group members. Administrators can also bind user groups directly to directories. Once importation and configurations are complete, end-users can directly access their applications from the JumpCloud portal using various authentication methods such as MFA or TOTP.
Overall, JumpCloud Directory-as-a-Service is a niche product especially suited for small and midsized businesses operating within cloud or Mac environments and without an active directory. This identity and access management tool adds value to enterprises with on-premise servers and the flexibility to work with any vendor. JumpCloud is a completely cloud-based, system-focused solution with an endpoint-centric and protocol-driven approach that enables system, policy, and account management. The straightforward dashboard and well-designed interface have a low learning curve, easy implementation, and quick time-to-value.
Pricing starts at $10 per user, per month and includes access to the knowledgebase. There is a free version of JumpCloud for 10 users or less and includes the entirety of the platform, except for premium add-ons. The user-oriented manuals and support materials are well-documented and easy to navigate. Standard support is available for a fee and includes 8/5 email support. Premium support is available for a fee and includes 24/7 phone, email, and website support. Modular pricing is available.
Tested by Tom Weil
