Integrating different technologies into one spot can be a daunting task.

JumpCloud Inc. resolves this pain point by consolidating IT management into one framework for enhanced secure access. It attains this through an open directory platform, specifically for SMEs and MSPs, that integrates IT management and secures employees’ access to IT resources, such as devices, applications, servers and networks, according to Chase Doelling (pictured), principal strategist at JumpCloud.

“We’ve designed the open directory platform to help accommodate a lot of those different pieces where we’re bringing in multiple different types of technologies from identity access management to device management, MDM and MFA access through a single sign-in,” Doelling stated. “So not only do you have all the technology there at your disposal, but also all the visibility and analytics of folks that are getting in and just trying to get their job done.”

Doelling spoke with theCUBE industry analyst Lisa Martin during the “Cybersecurity — Detect and Protect Against Threats” event, an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how JumpCloud uses an open directory platform to enhance security in the SME and MSP spaces. (* Disclosure below.)

Getting a pulse check of SMEs

JumpCloud conducts a survey twice a year to get more insights about SME budgets, challenges, trends and concerns. With the latest survey conducted in June 2022, the three biggest security concerns for SMEs emerged as network attacks, ransomware and software vulnerability exploits, according to Doelling.

“So we love to get a pulse check of what’s happening within the industry, but specifically within that small, medium size,” he noted. “So for the survey that we ran, we talked to 400 different roles that touch IT from security. And so a lot of the big ones are ransomware, software vulnerability and network security.”

Since leveling security and user experience is a delicate balancing act, the survey found that the demand for MSPs was surging. Companies were taking this route because of the economies of scale rendered, Doelling explained.

“I think one of the more interesting trends that we’ve seen is just the ability and the ramp for organizations to lean on managed service providers,” he pointed out. “A lot more organizations are stepping back and saying, ‘Well, if I can’t see anyone in the office or if there’s only half or maybe 10% that are showing up, are there other economies of scale that I can get from leveraging a managed service provider and bringing in other expertise.”

The JumpCloud study disclosed that 90% of SMEs surveyed were using an MSP or it was top of mind. Nevertheless, those that showed reservations about MSPs cited security and cost reasons.

“I think one of the more interesting stats we see is that almost nine out of 10 organizations that we surveyed are either leveraging an MSP or have considered it,” Doelling said. “I don’t know how secure the MSPs are themselves because, again, you’re thinking about handing over the crown jewels to someone.”

Overhauling the entire employee life cycle

JumpCloud helps SMEs and MSPs revamp the full employee life cycle through a single platform. This includes securely on and off-boarding a person, Doelling pointed out.

“I think there are a couple of different areas that we help support organizations,” he said. “You can think about just the whole employee life cycle. So when someone joins an organization from onboarding, you know, where does that identity come from? How can we make sure that they’re productive?”

By incorporating the end-user perspective, Doelling believes this makes the open directory platform easy to utilize. As a result, it renders enterprise-grade security seamlessly.

“How can I make sure that my employees are using not only a secure device, but a secure device that’s up to date because it’s a dynamic field,” he explained. “These are a lot of the gotchas that can keep small, medium enterprises up at night because if something happens, a security event, it could be a career-ending event, but also a company-ending event.” 

Since SMEs are the most common businesses, Doelling believes JumpCloud enables them to simplify their IT environment. As a result, it cuts IT costs without sacrificing security.

“JumpCloud provides an open directory platform, and what we mean by that is we help manage all of your employees, identities, the devices that they operate on, and then all the access that they need in order to get their work done in a modern IT environment,” Doelling added.  

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the “Cybersecurity — Detect and Protect Against Threats” event:

(* Disclosure: JumpCloud Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither JumpCloud nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE