Success Factors

Success in developing an IMA depends on a number of factors:

You may look at the list and decide that such an ideal enterprise doesn't exist. You're probably right. Even so, I've tried to keep the list realistic. By building a case for identity management, you can change some of these factors. In the coming chapters, as we discuss the steps you should take in creating your own IMA, you'll see that part of the process is building support and obtaining the resources necessary to ensure the success of the project as well as setting realistic expectations.

The final success factor, culture, may be out of your control, and changing it can be a job far larger than the one addressed in this book. If the culture is wrong, you may need to approach identity management far less holistically than the approach proffered here.