StrongDM FAQs: Answering Your Most Common Questions

Managing secure access to infrastructure shouldn’t be a headache—but for most organizations, it is. That’s where StrongDM comes in. We replace clunky, outdated access solutions with a frictionless, Zero Trust approach that actually makes life easier for IT, DevOps, and security teams. In this blog post, we’re cutting through the noise to answer the most common questions about StrongDM—what it is, how it works, and why it’s the go-to platform for secure, scalable access.

StrongDM FAQs: Quick Overview

• What is StrongDM?
• What is the meaning of StrongDM?
• Who is the CEO of StrongDM?
• Where is StrongDM based?
• Is StrongDM open source?
• Is StrongDM a VPN?
• What is StrongDM used for?
• What does StrongDM do?
• How does StrongDM work?
• How to use StrongDM
• How does StrongDM address security and compliance (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA)?
• Will StrongDM integrate smoothly with my current tech stack (IDPs, databases, Kubernetes, etc.)?
• How straightforward is it to deploy, configure, and maintain StrongDM in the long run?
• Does StrongDM introduce any significant latency or performance bottlenecks?
• Is StrongDM’s user interface intuitive for both technical and non-technical team members?
• Can StrongDM scale effectively as my organization grows, adding more users and resources?
• What is StrongDM’s pricing structure, and how does that affect the total cost of ownership?
• What level of customer support and success services does StrongDM provide?
• How reputable is StrongDM as a vendor, and do you offer case studies or references?
• How does StrongDM compare to alternative solutions in terms of features, security, and ROI?

What is StrongDM?

StrongDM is a dynamic access platform that simplifies secure access to infrastructure. Combining Zero Trust and PAM, it streamlines access to databases, servers, and cloud environments with policy-based controls, audit trails, and seamless integrations—eliminating complexity while keeping security airtight.

StrongDM is the dynamic access platform that simplifies and secures infrastructure access for modern enterprises. By combining Zero Trust principles with Privileged Access Management (PAM), StrongDM eliminates the headaches of managing and scaling secure access to databases, servers, cloud environments, Kubernetes, and beyond.

Unlike traditional PAM solutions that are rigid and not built for modern environments, StrongDM adapts to your unique workflows, making secure access frustration-free. With features like policy-based access control, audit trails, and seamless integration with existing tools, we empower your teams to focus on innovation while keeping security and compliance airtight.

💡Simply put: StrongDM ensures the right people have the right access to the right resources—when they need it—without the stress.

What is the meaning of StrongDM?

StrongDM stands for strong, secure, and dynamic access management. Built on Zero Trust principles, it ensures airtight security while adapting in real-time to evolving infrastructure across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It’s the strength your infrastructure needs with the flexibility your teams deserve.

The name "StrongDM" reflects our core mission: delivering strong, secure, and dynamic management of access to critical infrastructure.

• Strong: We prioritize security without compromise, leveraging Zero Trust principles to fortify your access management and ensure airtight compliance.
• DM (Dynamic Management): Access needs to evolve as fast as your infrastructure. StrongDM dynamically adapts to changes, providing seamless, real-time access control across modern, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.

At its heart, StrongDM is about empowering organizations to take control of access in a way that’s secure, efficient, and built for today’s fast-paced IT ecosystems. It’s the strength your infrastructure deserves, with the flexibility your teams need.

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Who is the CEO of StrongDM?

Tim Prendergast is the CEO of StrongDM.

A seasoned entrepreneur and technology innovator, Tim has spent over two decades building secure, scalable infrastructure for enterprises. Before joining StrongDM, Tim launched Evident.io, the first API-driven, real-time cloud security platform. In 2018, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) acquired Evident.io, where Tim joined the executive team as the company’s inaugural Chief Cloud Officer. In this role, he collaborated with the C-suite to define go-to-market and product strategies for their cloud business.

Earlier in his career, Tim was the principal architect for Adobe’s Cloud Team, where he spearheaded the design and scaling of elastic AWS infrastructure, driving digital transformation across the industry.

Tim’s passion for innovation extends beyond StrongDM—he invests in disruptive technologies, advises high-growth startups, and mentors founders who are shaping the future of tech.

Under Tim’s leadership, StrongDM has grown into the go-to platform for organizations seeking to simplify and secure access across their entire tech stack. He’s driven by a mission to make security frustration-free and empowering, ensuring that companies can focus on their core goals without compromising on protection.

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Where is StrongDM based?

StrongDM is a virtual organization. It is U.S.-based, and while there is no central headquarters, the company has roots in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company also has operations and employees in the U.S., Canada, Europe, U.K., and Australia.

Is StrongDM open source?

StrongDM is not an open-source platform.

StrongDM is a proprietary, enterprise-grade access management platform designed to meet the complex security and compliance needs of modern organizations. While not open source, StrongDM integrates seamlessly with many open-source tools and technologies, ensuring compatibility and flexibility within your tech stack.

By choosing a purpose-built platform like StrongDM, you gain access to robust features, dedicated support, and continuous updates—all designed to provide a secure and frustration-free experience for managing infrastructure access at scale.

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Is StrongDM a VPN?

StrongDM is not a VPN—it’s a modern alternative designed to go beyond the limitations of traditional VPNs. While VPNs create encrypted tunnels to secure network traffic, they are often clunky, difficult to manage, and provide broad, static access that doesn’t align with today’s Zero Trust security principles.

StrongDM takes a more dynamic approach by offering fine-grained, role-based access control to databases, servers, cloud environments, and more. It enforces the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only access what they need, when they need it. Unlike VPNs, StrongDM provides full visibility with detailed audit logs, seamless integrations, and a frustration-free user experience.

💡Think of it this way: StrongDM replaces outdated tools like VPNs with a modern, secure, and scalable solution for infrastructure access management.

 

Learn how Beekeeper eliminates VPN pain with StrongDM.

What is StrongDM used for?

StrongDM streamlines secure access to critical infrastructure, giving IT, DevOps, and security teams a centralized, frustration-free way to manage servers, databases, Kubernetes, and cloud environments. It simplifies access control, enforces Zero Trust security, enhances visibility with real-time auditing, and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows—eliminating complexity while keeping security rock-solid.

StrongDM is used to securely manage and streamline access to critical infrastructure, enabling organizations to enforce robust security policies without slowing down operations. It's designed for IT, DevOps, and security teams who need a centralized, frustration-free way to control access to servers, databases, Kubernetes clusters, cloud environments, and other resources.

With StrongDM, organizations can:

• Simplify Access Management: Grant or revoke access with ease, using role-based permissions and policy-based controls.
• Strengthen Security: Enforce Zero Trust principles, least privilege access, and comprehensive auditing to meet modern security standards.
• Enhance Visibility: Monitor all access activity in real-time with detailed logs for compliance and security purposes.
• Integrate Seamlessly: Work with existing tools and workflows, providing a unified solution across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

The StrongDM Zero Trust PAM platform is used to eliminate the complexity and risk of managing access, making security seamless and efficient for both technical teams and the entire organization.

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What does StrongDM do?

StrongDM centralizes, secures, and simplifies infrastructure access, replacing scattered tools with a single platform. It enforces Zero Trust security, applies role-based controls, audits every action, and integrates seamlessly into workflows. Whether on-prem, cloud, or hybrid, StrongDM ensures secure, efficient, and frustration-free access management.

StrongDM simplifies and secures infrastructure access for organizations by providing a dynamic, centralized platform to manage who can access what, when, and how. It combines modern security principles like Zero Trust and least privilege with operational ease to eliminate the challenges of managing privileged access across complex, distributed environments.

Here’s what StrongDM does:

• Centralizes Access Management: It replaces scattered, siloed access tools with a single platform that connects users to all their infrastructure resources.
• Enforces Security Policies: StrongDM applies role-based access controls (RBAC) and policy-based access to ensure users only access the resources they need.
• Audits Every Action: The platform creates detailed logs of every command, query, and session, providing unparalleled visibility for compliance and forensic investigations.
• Streamlines User Experience: StrongDM enables seamless, frustration-free access for users, integrating into their workflows without requiring additional tools or complex configurations.
• Supports Hybrid Environments: Whether resources are in the cloud, on-premises, or across multiple clouds, StrongDM unifies access management across all environments.

StrongDM ensures secure, efficient, and transparent access to critical infrastructure, enabling organizations to focus on innovation without compromising security.

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How does StrongDM work?

StrongDM acts as a secure, centralized access proxy, enforcing Zero Trust and least privilege principles. It routes user requests to infrastructure resources, applies role-based access controls, integrates with SSO and MFA, encrypts all connections, and logs every action for compliance. With seamless integration and just-in-time access, it simplifies security while eliminating traditional access headaches.

StrongDM works by acting as a secure, centralized access proxy that connects your users to the infrastructure resources they need, while enforcing modern security principles like Zero Trust and least privilege.

Here’s how it works:

1. Centralized Access Proxy: StrongDM operates as a unified gateway between your users and your infrastructure (servers, databases, Kubernetes, cloud environments, and more). Instead of direct access to resources, users connect to StrongDM, which securely routes their requests.
2. Dynamic Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Administrators set up access rules and policies based on roles, ensuring users only access what they need and nothing more.
3. Seamless Authentication: StrongDM integrates with your identity provider (e.g., Okta, Azure AD) for single sign-on (SSO) and supports MFA to ensure secure authentication.
4. Just-in-Time Access: Access can be granted temporarily or conditionally, reducing the risks of static credentials and unnecessary access.
5. End-to-End Encryption: All connections are encrypted, ensuring sensitive data is protected in transit.
6. Comprehensive Audit Trails: StrongDM logs every command, query, and session, providing detailed visibility for compliance, security audits, and forensic analysis.
7. Easy Integration: StrongDM integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack, including monitoring, logging, and security tools, so it works within your current workflows.

By simplifying access management and enhancing security, StrongDM enables teams to connect to resources securely and efficiently—without the frustration of traditional access tools.

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How to use StrongDM

With StrongDM, users authenticate via SSO and MFA, see a unified list of approved resources, and connect instantly—no VPNs or complex credentials needed. Requests for temporary access can be approved in real-time, while StrongDM securely routes connections in the background, making security effortless for both technical and non-technical users.

Users interact with StrongDM to securely access the infrastructure resources they need, like databases, servers, Kubernetes clusters, and cloud environments.

Here’s how it works from a user’s perspective:

1. Authentication: Users log into StrongDM using their organization’s single sign-on (SSO) provider (e.g., Okta, and others) or other supported identity management tools. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) may also be required for added security.
2. Accessing Resources: Once authenticated, users see a unified list of the resources they have permission to access. This could include production databases, staging servers, or cloud management consoles—all visible in one place.
3. Seamless Connection: Users connect to their assigned resources with a click (via the StrongDM desktop app, CLI, or API). StrongDM handles routing their requests securely through its access proxy, eliminating the need for complex credentials or VPNs.
4. Friction-Free Workflow: Whether querying a database, managing a server, or accessing a Kubernetes cluster, users interact with resources just as they normally would—StrongDM handles the secure connection in the background.
5. Requesting Temporary Access: If users need additional access, they can submit requests through StrongDM’s access workflows. Requests can be approved in real-time by administrators or automated based on predefined policies.
6. Transparency and Simplicity: StrongDM’s user-friendly interface ensures users can focus on their tasks without worrying about security hurdles, making it easy for technical and non-technical users alike.

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How does StrongDM address security and compliance (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA)?

StrongDM enforces Zero Trust security with centralized access management, role-based controls, just-in-time provisioning, and end-to-end encryption. It logs every action for compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, and more, while integrating seamlessly with SIEM and monitoring tools. With automated auditing and regular third-party assessments, StrongDM ensures security and compliance without the complexity.

StrongDM is designed with security and compliance at its core, making it easier for organizations to meet stringent regulatory requirements like SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, NIST, and more.

Here's how StrongDM addresses security and compliance:

1. Centralized Access Management: StrongDM consolidates access control for all infrastructure resources, ensuring consistent enforcement of security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
2. Zero Trust Security: The platform enforces Zero Trust principles, including least privilege access, just-in-time provisioning, and robust authentication methods (e.g., MFA, SSO).
3. Detailed Audit Trails: StrongDM automatically logs every user action—commands, queries, and sessions—providing comprehensive, tamper-proof audit trails. These logs are essential for demonstrating compliance during audits.
4. Granular Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Administrators can define fine-grained access policies, ensuring users only access the resources they are authorized to use.
5. Data Encryption: All connections are encrypted end-to-end, protecting sensitive data in transit. StrongDM also ensures that credentials are never exposed to end users.
6. Compliance Automation: StrongDM simplifies compliance with built-in features that align with frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA. For example:
   • SOC 2: StrongDM’s auditing and monitoring capabilities directly address requirements for security, availability, and confidentiality.
   • HIPAA: The platform safeguards Protected Health Information (PHI) by controlling and auditing access to healthcare-related systems.
7. Integration with Compliance Tools: StrongDM integrates seamlessly with logging, monitoring, and SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, Datadog), making it easy to collect and analyze data for compliance reporting.
8. Certified Security Practices: StrongDM undergoes regular third-party audits and assessments to maintain high security standards, ensuring trust and reliability for its customers.

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Will StrongDM integrate smoothly with my current tech stack (IDPs, databases, Kubernetes, etc.)?

StrongDM integrates seamlessly with your existing tech stack, working with IDPs like Okta and Azure AD for SSO and MFA, supporting databases, Kubernetes, servers, and cloud platforms like AWS and GCP. It also connects with logging, monitoring, and developer tools, ensuring secure, centralized access without disrupting workflows.

StrongDM is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack, making it easy to connect your users to the resources they need while maintaining security and operational efficiency.

Here’s how StrongDM ensures smooth integration:

1. Identity Providers (IDPs): StrongDM works with leading IDPs like Okta, Microsoft Entra ID (fka Azure AD), Google Workspace, and others to enable Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This ensures a consistent, secure authentication experience across your organization.
2. Databases: StrongDM supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, and more. It acts as a secure proxy, enabling users to connect directly to databases without exposing credentials.
3. Kubernetes: StrongDM provides secure, role-based access to Kubernetes clusters, streamlining user access and eliminating the need to manage kubeconfigs or complex credential setups.
4. Servers and Cloud Infrastructure: The platform supports SSH and RDP connections to servers and integrates with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, ensuring unified access management for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
5. Monitoring and Logging Tools: StrongDM integrates with popular logging and monitoring solutions like Splunk, Datadog, and Elastic to provide comprehensive visibility and support compliance reporting.
6. Developer Tools: Whether you use Terraform for infrastructure as code, Jenkins for CI/CD, or CLI tools, StrongDM fits right into your workflow, enabling friction-free access for your developers and engineers.

StrongDM was built to enhance, not disrupt, your existing systems. By integrating effortlessly with your current tech stack, it ensures a smooth transition to secure, centralized access management without requiring major changes to your workflows.

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How straightforward is it to deploy, configure, and maintain StrongDM in the long run?

StrongDM is built for easy deployment, simple configuration, and low maintenance. It installs in minutes without complex setups, integrates seamlessly with your infrastructure, and scales effortlessly as your organization grows. With automated updates, centralized management, and world-class support, StrongDM ensures secure access remains straightforward and hassle-free.

StrongDM is designed for simplicity and scalability, making deployment, configuration, and long-term maintenance straightforward for organizations of all sizes.

1. Quick Deployment:
   • StrongDM can be up and running in minutes.
   • No complex network reconfigurations or hardware installations are required.
   • Deployment is as simple as installing lightweight agents and integrating with your identity provider (IDP).
2. Easy Configuration:
   • Setting up access rules is intuitive with StrongDM’s user-friendly interface and role-based access control (RBAC).
   • Out-of-the-box integrations with databases, servers, Kubernetes, and cloud environments make configuration seamless.
   • Policy-based access ensures that rules can adapt to your evolving needs without unnecessary complexity.
3. Low Maintenance:
   • StrongDM eliminates the need for manual credential management, network configurations, and complex access workflows.
   • Automatic updates and centralized management keep your system secure and up-to-date without extra effort.
4. Scalability:
   • Whether your organization grows to 10 users or 10,000, StrongDM scales effortlessly to accommodate new resources, teams, or environments.
   • Dynamic policies and just-in-time access ensure that access controls remain manageable even as infrastructure becomes more complex.
5. Ongoing Support:
   • StrongDM’s world-class support team is available to help with any questions or challenges.
   • Regular product updates and enhancements ensure your platform stays ahead of security and compliance requirements.

With its intuitive setup, minimal ongoing effort, and robust support, StrongDM is built to make secure access management as straightforward and hassle-free as possible—both today and in the long run.

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Does StrongDM introduce any significant latency or performance bottlenecks?

StrongDM delivers secure access without latency or performance bottlenecks. Its lightweight proxy, global infrastructure, and direct encrypted connections ensure fast, reliable access. Designed to scale with high traffic volumes, it also includes built-in monitoring to optimize performance, keeping security seamless and efficient.

StrongDM is engineered to deliver secure access without introducing noticeable latency or performance bottlenecks.

Here’s how StrongDM maintains high performance:

1. Optimized Architecture:
   • StrongDM operates as a lightweight proxy that efficiently routes user requests to resources.
   • Its architecture is optimized for low latency, ensuring that connections remain fast and reliable.
2. Global Infrastructure:
   • StrongDM leverages a globally distributed network to minimize latency, intelligently routing traffic to the closest available endpoint.
3. Direct Connections:
   • Once authenticated, StrongDM establishes direct, encrypted connections between users and resources, ensuring fast communication without unnecessary intermediaries.
4. Scalability:
   • The platform is designed to handle high volumes of traffic and concurrent connections without degrading performance, making it suitable for enterprises of any size.
5. Monitoring and Insights:
   • StrongDM provides built-in monitoring tools to track connection performance, helping you identify and address any potential issues quickly.

StrongDM’s focus on speed and efficiency ensures that users can work seamlessly without interruptions, making it a powerful, secure solution that doesn’t compromise on performance.

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Is StrongDM’s user interface intuitive for both technical and non-technical team members?

StrongDM’s user interface is intuitive for both technical and non-technical users. Admins get a clear dashboard for managing access, while engineers can use the CLI or API for seamless integration. With a clean design, guided onboarding, and robust support, StrongDM makes secure access easy for everyone.

StrongDM’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly for both technical and non-technical team members.

1. Simplified Access Management:
   • The dashboard provides a clear, centralized view of all resources and access policies, making it easy for administrators to manage access without requiring advanced technical expertise.
   • Non-technical users can easily see and connect to the resources they need without navigating complex configurations.
2. Tailored for Technical Teams:
   • Engineers, developers, and DevOps professionals can use StrongDM’s CLI or API to interact with resources directly, integrating access seamlessly into their workflows.
   • Advanced features like granular policy controls and detailed audit logs are readily accessible for those who need them.
3. Modern Design:
   • The interface is clean, uncluttered, and built with usability in mind, minimizing the learning curve for all users.
   • Resource grouping, role-based access controls, and search functionality make navigating large environments straightforward.
4. Onboarding and Support:
   • Guided onboarding and helpful tooltips ensure users can quickly get started, regardless of their technical background.
   • StrongDM’s support team and documentation are always available to assist with any questions.

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Can StrongDM scale effectively as my organization grows, adding more users and resources?

StrongDM scales effortlessly with your organization, supporting any number of users and resources while maintaining security and efficiency. It seamlessly integrates with new infrastructure, automates access management, and ensures fast, secure connections globally. As your needs evolve, StrongDM adapts—keeping access secure, streamlined, and future-ready.

StrongDM is built to scale effortlessly with your organization, no matter how large or complex your infrastructure becomes.

1. User Growth:
   • StrongDM supports organizations of all sizes, from small teams to enterprises with thousands of users.
   • Role-based access controls (RBAC) and policy-driven management make it easy to onboard new users and assign permissions at scale.
2. Resource Expansion:
   • Whether you’re adding databases, servers, Kubernetes clusters, or cloud environments, StrongDM integrates seamlessly with new resources.
   • Resources can be grouped and managed dynamically, ensuring scalability without added complexity.
3. Global Reach:
   • StrongDM’s distributed architecture ensures fast, secure connections for users and resources across multiple geographies.
4. Dynamic Policies:
   • StrongDM’s policy engine is designed for flexibility, allowing you to adapt to changes in your organizational structure, compliance needs, or infrastructure setup without overhauling your access management.
5. Operational Efficiency:
   • Automation features like just-in-time provisioning, self-service access requests, and auditing ensure your team can handle growth without extra administrative burden.
6. Future-Ready:
   • Whether you’re adopting multi-cloud strategies, hybrid environments, or new technologies, StrongDM evolves with you, providing a unified platform for secure access.

With its scalability, flexibility, and ease of management, StrongDM ensures your access management remains secure and efficient, no matter how much your organization grows or changes.

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What is StrongDM’s pricing structure, and how does that affect the total cost of ownership?

StrongDM offers transparent, flexible pricing based on users and resource access, ensuring you only pay for what you need. It eliminates hidden costs by consolidating access tools, reduces administrative overhead with automation, and scales without costly overhauls. With built-in security and compliance features, StrongDM lowers risk and keeps budgeting predictable.

StrongDM offers a transparent and flexible pricing structure tailored to the needs of your organization. Pricing is based on the number of users and the resources they need access to, ensuring you only pay for what you use.

Here’s how StrongDM’s pricing impacts your total cost of ownership (TCO):

1. No Hidden Costs:
   • StrongDM eliminates the need for additional tools like VPNs, bastion hosts, or manual credential management, consolidating your access stack into one platform.
   • All essential features, including access control, auditing, and integrations, are included, reducing the need for expensive add-ons.
2. Operational Efficiency:
   • By automating access management and auditing, StrongDM reduces the administrative burden on IT and security teams, freeing up resources and saving time.
   • Fast deployment and seamless integrations minimize upfront implementation costs and downtime.
3. Scalability without Penalty:
   • StrongDM scales easily as your organization grows, with pricing designed to accommodate increased users or resources without requiring costly overhauls.
4. Enhanced Security and Compliance:
   • StrongDM helps prevent costly security breaches and compliance violations by enforcing strong access controls and providing comprehensive audit logs.
   • This proactive approach can save your organization significant costs in fines, investigations, and reputation damage.
5. Predictable Budgeting:
   • StrongDM’s pricing is clear and predictable, allowing you to budget confidently without unexpected expenses or fluctuating costs.

You can learn more here.

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What level of customer support and success services does StrongDM provide?

StrongDM provides world-class customer support with fast response times via email, chat, and phone. Guided onboarding, dedicated Customer Success Managers, and comprehensive training ensure a smooth setup. Regular check-ins, optimization tips, and premium support options help maximize security and efficiency, while customer feedback drives continuous improvements.

StrongDM is committed to delivering exceptional customer support and success services to ensure you get the most out of our platform.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Dedicated Support:
   • StrongDM offers world-class customer support with fast response times and knowledgeable representatives.
   • Support is available via email, chat, and phone, ensuring you can reach us when you need help.
2. Onboarding and Implementation:
   • StrongDM provides guided onboarding to help you deploy and configure the platform quickly and effectively.
   • A dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM) ensures your implementation aligns with your specific needs and goals.
3. Training and Resources:
   • Access to comprehensive training materials, how-to guides, and video tutorials to help your team get up to speed.
   • Ongoing webinars and workshops keep your team informed about new features and best practices.
4. Proactive Success Services:
   • Your CSM regularly checks in to review your usage, offer optimization tips, and address any challenges.
   • StrongDM provides recommendations to help you maximize security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
5. Premium Support Options:
   • For organizations with complex environments or heightened needs, StrongDM offers premium support packages that include priority response times, tailored consulting, and advanced troubleshooting assistance.
6. Customer Community and Feedback:
   • Join StrongDM’s customer community to share insights and learn from peers.
7. Your feedback is valued and often shapes future product enhancements.

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How reputable is StrongDM as a vendor, and do you offer case studies or references?

StrongDM is a trusted leader in secure access management, relied on by organizations across industries, including finance, healthcare, and tech. With a proven track record, strong customer reviews, and case studies showcasing real-world success, StrongDM consistently delivers secure, scalable access solutions backed by exceptional support.

StrongDM is a trusted leader in secure access management, with a reputation for delivering innovative, effective solutions that simplify infrastructure access while strengthening security. Organizations across industries rely on StrongDM to manage and secure access to their critical systems, including those in highly regulated sectors like financial services, healthcare, and technology.

Here’s why StrongDM is a reputable vendor:

1. Proven Success:
   • StrongDM has a track record of helping companies modernize their access management, improve security, and achieve compliance.
   • Customers like Bullhorn and leading financial services firms have seen tangible benefits, such as streamlined operations, reduced risk, and better compliance.
2. Customer-Centric Approach:
   • StrongDM is committed to providing exceptional customer support, ensuring organizations can successfully deploy and scale the platform.
   • Customer feedback drives product development, ensuring the platform evolves to meet real-world needs.
3. Recognition and Reviews:
   • StrongDM is consistently praised by customers for its ease of use, robust feature set, and outstanding support.
   • Many customers share their experiences on platforms like Gartner Peer Insights and G2, showcasing StrongDM’s positive impact.
4. Case Studies and References:
   • StrongDM offers detailed case studies that highlight how organizations have solved complex access challenges and achieved their goals using the platform.
   • Prospective customers can request references to speak directly with existing users about their experiences with StrongDM.

Read more StrongDM case studies.

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How does StrongDM compare to alternative solutions in terms of features, security, and ROI?

StrongDM outperforms traditional PAM solutions by combining robust security with a seamless user experience. It centralizes access to all resources, enforces Zero Trust policies, integrates with existing tools, and provides comprehensive audit logs. With end-to-end encryption, proactive threat mitigation, and automated workflows, StrongDM boosts security, reduces costs, and maximizes operational efficiency—delivering strong ROI from day one.

Why Choose StrongDM Over Alternatives? StrongDM combines the robust security of traditional PAM solutions with the usability and adaptability required for today’s dynamic, hybrid environments. It eliminates the complexity and hidden costs of legacy tools, providing a modern solution that enhances security and delivers measurable value from day one.

StrongDM stands out from alternative solutions by offering a modern, dynamic approach to access management that simplifies operations, enhances security, and delivers a strong return on investment (ROI). Here’s how StrongDM compares:

Features

• Unified Access Management: Unlike traditional PAM tools, StrongDM consolidates access to all resources—databases, servers, Kubernetes, cloud platforms, and more—under a single platform.
• Dynamic, Policy-Based Access: StrongDM enables granular, role-based permissions and just-in-time access, offering greater flexibility and control than static access solutions.
• Seamless Integrations: Out-of-the-box compatibility with IDPs (e.g., Okta, Azure AD), monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog, Splunk), and other technologies ensures smooth integration with your existing stack.
• Comprehensive Audit Logs: StrongDM logs every query, command, and session for unmatched visibility and compliance reporting.

Security

• Zero Trust Principles: StrongDM enforces least privilege access and strong authentication (e.g., SSO, MFA), aligning with modern security frameworks.
• End-to-End Encryption: All connections are encrypted, and credentials are never exposed, ensuring data security at every step.
• Proactive Threat Mitigation: The platform reduces risks associated with static credentials, shadow IT, and misconfigured access policies by providing centralized, automated access controls.

ROI

• Operational Efficiency: By automating access workflows and reducing administrative overhead, StrongDM saves time and resources for IT and security teams.
• Reduced Tooling Costs: StrongDM consolidates multiple tools (VPNs, bastion hosts, credential managers), cutting down on licensing and maintenance expenses.
• Avoided Compliance Fines: StrongDM’s audit and compliance features help prevent costly penalties by ensuring regulatory standards are consistently met.
• Enhanced Productivity: Frustration-free access for users minimizes downtime and maximizes team efficiency, delivering indirect but significant ROI.

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