Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs SailPoint Identity Security Cloud comparison

Cisco ISE is an all-in-one solution that streamlines security policy management and reduces operating costs. Cisco ISE delivers visibility and access control over users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN connections.

Identity Services Engine enables enterprises to deliver secure network access to users and devices. It shares contextual data, such as threats and vulnerabilities, with integrated solutions from Cisco technology partners. You can see what is happening in your network, which applications are running, and more.

Features of Cisco ISE

• Centralized management helps administrators configure and manage user profile characteristics - a single pane of glass for integrated management services.
• Contextual identity and business policy: The rule-based attribute is a driven policy model. The goal is to provide flexible access control policies.
• Wide range of access control options, including Virtual LAN (VLAN) URL redirections, and access control lists.
• Supplicant-less network access: You can roll out secure network access by deriving authentication from login information across application layers.
• Guest lifecycle management streamlines the experience for implementing and customizing network access for guests.
• Built-in AAA services: The platform uses standard RADIUS protocol for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
• Device auditing, administration, and access control provide users with access on a need-to-know and need-to-act basis. It keeps audit trails for every change in the network.
• Device profiling: ISE features predefined device templates for different types of endpoints.
• Internal certificate authority: Qn easy-to-deploy single console to manage endpoints and certificates.

Benefits of Cisco ISE

Cisco’s holistic approach to network access security has several advantages:

• Context-based access based on your company policies. ISE creates a complete contextual identity, including attributes such as user, time, location, threat, access type, and vulnerability. This contextual identity is used to enforce a secure access policy. Administrators can apply strict control over how and when endpoints are allowed in the network.
• Better network visibility via an easy-to-use, simple console. In addition, visibility is improved by storing a detailed attribute history of all endpoints connected to the network.
• Comprehensive policy enforcement. ISE sets easy and flexible access rules. These rules are controlled from a central console that enforces them across the network and security infrastructure. You can define policies that differentiate between registered users and guests. The system uses group tags that enable access control on business rules instead of IP addresses.
• Self-service device onboarding enables the enterprise to implement a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policy securely. Users can manage their devices according to the policies defined by IT administrators. (IT remains in charge of provisioning and posturing to comply with security policies.)
• Consistent guest experiences: You can provide guests with different levels of access from different connections. You can customize guest portals via a cloud-delivered portal editor with dynamic visual tools.

Support

You can get ISE as a physical or virtual appliance. Both deployments can create ISE clusters that create scale, redundancy, and requirements.

Licensing

Cisco ISE has four primary licences. Evaluation for up to 100 endpoints with full platform functionality. The higher tiers are Partner, Advantage and Essential.

Reviews from Real Users

"The user experience of the solution is great. It's a very transparent system. according to a PeerSpot user in Cyber Security at a manufacturing company.

Omar Z., Network & Security Engineer at an engineering company, feels that "The RADIUS Server holds the most value."

“Whether I deploy in China, the US, South Africa, or wherever, I can get all the capabilities. It allows me to directly integrate with 365, and from a communications point of view, that is a good capability," says Rammohan M., Senior Consultant at a tech services company.

Hassan A.,Technology Manager at Advanced Integrated Systems, says that "The most valuable feature is the integration with StealthWatch and DNA as one fabric."

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud specializes in identity, access management, and governance, focusing on user lifecycle automation, compliance, certifications, and reporting, handling both on-premise and cloud deployments.

Organizations use SailPoint Identity Security Cloud for seamless onboarding, offboarding, password resets, and provisioning, integrating with Active Directory and Office 365. Its centralized account views and enhanced security controls support identity management, policy evaluation, risk assessment, and role-based access control. Clients benefit from its stability, scalability, and customized access control features, reducing workloads and ensuring effective provisioning.

• Compliance Capabilities: Extensive features ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Out-of-the-Box Connectors: Numerous pre-built integrations for rapid deployment.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplified navigation and user experience.
• Identity Data Warehouse: Centralized data storage for streamlined management.
• Seamless Integration: Smooth connections with popular applications like Active Directory and Office 365.
• Proactive Access Revocation: Preemptive measures to manage access rights.
• Stability, Scalability, Flexibility: Robust performance with adaptable customization.
• AI-Driven Automation: Machine learning for streamlined approval processes.
• Certification & Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive tools for managing user lifecycles and access certification.
• Reporting: Detailed reports for insights and compliance monitoring.

• Centralized Account Views: Consolidated management and oversight of user accounts.
• Enhanced Security Controls: Improved measures for safeguarding sensitive data.
• Reduced Workload: Decreased efforts in certification and access management processes.
• Effective Provisioning: Seamless and accurate granting and revoking of access rights.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Ability to scale with business growth and customize per requirements.

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud is deployed across various industries including finance, healthcare, and retail, offering tailored solutions for compliance, risk management, and efficient identity lifecycle management. Its integration capabilities with industry-specific applications and robust AI-driven features enhance operational efficiency and security in these sectors.