In this edition of Partners in Cybersecurity: Microsoft
This time, we sit down with Shailav Gupta, a Global Black Belt at Microsoft, specializing in Entra, and Robin Gaal, Identity Security Specialist and specialised in Microsoft Entra, at SITS | Traxion. 
SITS | Traxion and Microsoft have been working together for years to deliver innovative Identity & Access Management (IAM) solutions for clients. It’s high time to shine a spotlight on Microsoft and this collaboration!
This is just the beginning. SITS | Traxion collaborates with numerous partners. In the coming months, you’ll hear more about our partnerships with companies like Omada, CyberArk, SailPoint, Thales, KeyFactor, and many others.
A Great Opportunity to Collaborate
Robin Gaal: Shailav, let’s start with a brief introduction. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how we met?
Shailav Gupta: Certainly, Robin. My name is Shailav Gupta, and am Global Black Belt at Microsoft, with a specialization in Entra. In this role, I assist customers on new products within the Entra suite, particularly those that have been recently launched. We previously met during a customer engagement where we were transitioning a client from Microsoft Identity Manager (MIM) to Entra ID Governance. This engagement involved a mutual customer of both Microsoft and SITS | Traxion and presented an excellent opportunity for us to collaborate.
Robin Gaal: That’s right. I’m Robin, and I work for SITS | Traxion. I’ve been with the company since 2011, always in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) space. When I started, Microsoft was a major focus, and I implemented many Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Manager (ILM) projects, especially for government agencies and educational institutions. Over the years, our focus shifted, but recently, we’ve seen a resurgence in Microsoft technologies, particularly with Entra ID Governance.
Precisely Aligned Responses
Robin Gaal: Shailav, can you share a memorable moment from our first project together?
Shailav Gupta: Certainly. Our initial major project involved assisting a client in transitioning from MIM to Entra ID Governance. We worked in close collaboration, ensuring our strategies and responses were aligned to meet the client’s requirements effectively. A notable instance was when we discovered that our answers to the client’s inquiries were identical, underscoring the strength of our partnership and alignment.
Robin Gaal: I remember that well. It was a great example of how well we work together.
Challenges in the IAM Market
Shailav Gupta: Robin, what do you see as the biggest challenge in the IAM market today?
Robin Gaal: The biggest challenge is dealing with legacy systems. Many customers still use outdated solutions like SAP IDM, NetIQ Identity Manager, MIM or PowerShell-driven IAM management . When these products reach end-of-life, customers need to find new solutions. Microsoft Entra ID Governance is a strong contender, but many companies are not yet aware of its capabilities. Educating the market about these capabilities is crucial.
Shailav Gupta: I concur. Legacy systems and the lack of awareness regarding Microsoft’s IAM solutions present considerable challenges. Therefore, we devote our efforts to educating the market about the advantages of transitioning to cloud-based solutions such as Entra ID Governance. These solutions not only enhance security but also offer potential cost savings. Furthermore, we emphasize how Microsoft can deliver comprehensive solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing technologies.
Robin Gaal: Another trend we’re seeing is that customers are using multiple identity systems—such as separate IGA, AM, PAM, VPN, and MFA tools—and are now looking to consolidate them into a single platform. This allows for improved security, simplified management and lower costs.
Shailav Gupta: Indeed, Robin, that is an excellent observation. We are also observing a transition towards event-driven identity management, which adapts to real-time contextual changes. This approach offers more precise and responsive security measures, which are essential in the current dynamic IT landscape.
Robin Gaal: And let’s not forget the increasing importance of zero-trust security models. Ensuring that every access request is verified, regardless of its origin, is becoming a standard practice. This approach significantly enhances security but also requires robust IAM solutions to manage effectively.
Shailav Gupta: Absolutely. If we look to the future, AI and machine learning are getting pretty common in IAM solutions now. These technologies help make better decisions and handle identity stuff automatically, which is a huge deal for the complex setups most companies have these days.
Boosting security with strong authentication methods and keeping an eye out for suspicious activities in real-time is also super important. Doing this makes companies less vulnerable to attacks and beefs up their overall security game. This proactive approach not only mitigates potential threats but also fortifies the overall security posture of a company
Robin Gaal: And let’s not forget the importance of cost savings and operational efficiency. Automating account management and reducing IT workload are crucial for companies looking to optimize their resources. Improved user experience with single sign-on capabilities and streamlined access management are also high on the list of needs for many organizations.
Seamless Transitions for Clients
Robin Gaal: How do you think our collaboration benefits our clients, Shailav?
Shailav Gupta: Our partnership is highly effective due to the complementary nature of our expertise. Microsoft contributes cutting-edge technical knowledge and innovative solutions, while SITS | Traxion brings a wealth of experience in IAM projects. This synergy allows us to provide comprehensive and robust solutions to our clients.
Robin Gaal: I agree. Microsoft values partners like SITS | Traxion who have deep connections with customers and can deliver complex IAM solutions. Our combined efforts ensure that customers receive the best possible service and solutions. SITS | Traxion’s approach, experience, and customer relationships are invaluable in this process.
Strong Communication and Alignment
Robin Gaal: I appreciate your approachability and quick responses. It’s great to have a direct line of communication through Teams, which makes collaboration efficient. I’m proud of how we’ve been able to reintroduce Microsoft solutions to our clients and help them leverage their existing licenses. This has led to successful projects and a stronger partnership.
Shailav Gupta: Working with SITS | Traxion has been a fantastic experience! We’ve communicated so well and really hit it off. Our projects have turned out great, and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve next. The way we’ve understood each other’s goals and kept clear lines of communication has been key to our success. Thanks for being such awesome partners!
Expanding Our Collaboration
Shailav Gupta: From Microsoft’s standpoint, we are dedicated to supporting SITS | Traxion in becoming a comprehensive Entra suite partner. This commitment involves enabling you to provide solutions related to Entra Private access and other advanced features. Our objective is to assist SITS | Traxion in growing and succeeding within the evolving IAM market. We recognize significant potential in expanding our collaboration and delivering enhanced value to our customers.
Robin Gaal: We’re investing in SAP IDM migrations and host a webinar on this topic on 27 May. We’re also focusing on IAM modernization and expanding our offerings to include the full Entra suite, including private access and secure application onboarding. This will help us provide more comprehensive solutions to our clients and stay ahead in the market.
Navigating IAM Complexities Together
Shailav Gupta: Robin, what would you like to say to potential clients about our collaboration?
Robin Gaal: If you’re a client looking to start with IAM or replace legacy systems, SITS | Traxion and Microsoft can provide the expertise and solutions you need. We offer comprehensive IAM services and can help you leverage your existing Microsoft licenses for better security and efficiency. Our combined expertise ensures that you receive the best possible solutions.
Shailav Gupta: Our collaboration with SITS | Traxion ensures that clients receive top-notch IAM solutions. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of IAM and achieve your security goals with Microsoft’s innovative technologies. Together, we can provide comprehensive solutions that address your needs and help you succeed.
Facing similar challenges?
Curious about how our collaboration could help your organization?
We understand that topics like Identity & Access Management often come with complex issues, from inefficient access management to securing sensitive data. While this article highlights the partnership between SITS | Traxion and Microsoft, we’re here to help with your specific challenges as well. Feel free to reach out to us—our experts are happy to brainstorm with you! Contact us at sales.nl@traxion.com or call +31 418 653 883. We’re happy to help!
Or Register Now for our upcoming webinar on 27 May: Strategic Pathways Beyond SAP IDM with Microsoft Entra.
Menu
