Jamf Connect vs. Symantec VIP

Jamf Connect works particularly well in our lab environments where the central "source of truth" for student accounts is our Okta IdP. As Apple has recommended moving away from Active Directory binding (which was our previous source of truth for authentication) we needed a new central way to manage this function. Okta worked well for other services on campus, and it was a smooth integration to make it work with Jamf Connect for virtually all use cases on campus (we still have a couple of NAS/SAN systems that require Active Directory).

Incentivized

Symantec VIP is best suited in environments where you need two factor authentication. As explained before, Symantec VIP is super easy to use and manage for our users across our entire organization. If you have your users using a virtual private network, Symantec VIP is the way to go; no doubt about it!

Incentivized

• password sync works very well
• regular updates to Jamf Connect with improvements
• small and simple tool
• Account creation is now on next level after we don't need AD Bind

• The UI is intuitive and simple to use and navigate. When generating a secure token to be used for VPN access, all the navigation is clear and intuitive. There is no confusion when our users use Symantec VIP.
• Every generated token expires after 30-60 seconds, thus providing an extra layer of security and reducing any risk of someone re-using a token or pin to gain unauthorized access into our system.
• The app is super responsive and has no lag and little to no latency. Everything loads quickly and is super speedy.
• Our department can opt for a 6 digit code which we can use while logging in on different sites and SSO access can be easily set up and achieved with this tool.

Incentivized

• More control over local access for non-cloud accounts
• Does not handle password changes made directly in Okta very smoothly
• Setting up configuration is a bit opaque to non-IdP personnel

Incentivized

• when setting a token to a phone call, the phone calls often take a minute + to call the user.
• When Symantec's VIP app is removed or reinstalled on a phone, the credential ID will change, and that dictates a call to the helpdesk to allow the user access.
• Temporary security codes while handy, must be set to expire immediately to stay secure.

Incentivized

It is almost a certainty that we will continue to use Jamf Connect, even with Apple coming out with Platform Single Sign On. Jamf Connect provides several features that PSSO does not, such as "just in time" local account creation and automatic synchronization of enterprise credentials. It is unlikely that we would investigate other options at this time or in the near future.

Incentivized

Jamf Connect is quite easy to use and has the necessary options on the login screen (such as WiFi network connection) for getting connected and authenticated. It has a simple to use menulet that allows password changes and resets as well as temporary elevation, all with very clear workflows. It also allows us to assign field staff to their client users' computers so that they can provide support without having to resort to LAPS accounts.

Incentivized

Great vendor support, along with a great product solution

Incentivized

The only other product we evaluated was Xcreds from TwoCanoes software, which is essentially a one person shop. We already were Jamf Pro customers, and Jamf Connect fulfilled all of the requirements for this function along with providing professional customer support. Since we already had a relationship with Jamf, it made perfect sense to add this product to our toolkit, and keep technical support contained within one organization.

Incentivized

The Symantec VIP solution has a more easy implementation process, which makes implementation faster. The Prove Of Concept of the solution presents the best results compared with Duo. The final price charged was cheaper. Consultants that participate in the process get show to us in a more clear manner all scenarios where we can use the Symantec VIP.

Incentivized

• we need more time to understand how Jamf Connect and the configuration "really" works

• It was as easy to implement and manage as promised, so that definitely saved us time and frustration.
• It allowed us to improve on our existing PHI and PII security measures.
• Allowing secure access from remote locations, especially smart phones, was a huge plus.

Incentivized