Side by side
Microsoft Active Directory vs SailPoint Identity Security Cloud
Both stand on identity and access management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Pick Microsoft Active Directory when your identity and access environment is built around Windows Server and requires its listed SSO and smart-card MFA methods. Consider another option if you need a free plan or licensing without Windows Server CAL and core-based requirements.
Visit Microsoft Active Directory
Identity Security Cloud brings access governance and hybrid connectivity into a suite with several plan levels. Organizations should confirm pricing, paid integration costs and Harbor Pilot availability for their region.
Visit SailPoint Identity Security CloudThe facts
| Microsoft Active Directory | SailPoint Identity Security Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Windows Server 2025 Standard: $1,176 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com | sailpoint.com |
| On identity and access management software | #37 of 45 | #33 of 45 |
Microsoft Active Directory: what it does well
- Kerberos and NTLM single sign-on
- Smart-card multifactor authentication
- Windows Server Standard and Datacenter options
- Azure Arc pay-as-you-go option
- Supports physical, virtualized, and cloud environments
What to know first
- No free plan
- Windows Server CAL required
- Core-based licensing
- Listed plans carry substantial monthly charges
SailPoint Identity Security Cloud: what it does well
- Includes lifecycle management and access reviews.
- Supports SAML, directory sync and lifecycle provisioning.
- Connectors cover SaaS, legacy and on-premises systems.
- Data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
- Provides a support portal, documentation and community.
What to know first
- Pricing is available on request.
- Paid integrations may incur additional costs.
- Harbor Pilot depends on AWS regional availability.
Alternatives to Microsoft Active Directory Alternatives to SailPoint Identity Security Cloud The whole list