Identity management is the first line of defense for protecting sensitive business resources from inappropriate use, distribution, loss, and damage. IT operations and security managers are continuously pressured to achieve high levels of security without introducing complex authentication processes that may reduce workforce productivity and/or user experiences. This Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) decision guide provides actionable guidance on the best practices and solutions organizations should adopt for addressing today’s most pressing challenges to enabling effective identity management. The ten most critical business priorities for adopting identity management solutions are reported and, for each, EMA recommends the top three leading platforms that most effectively address related requirements.