It’s been quite the journey, but here it is—the first issue of IAM 360!

For too long, Identity and Access Management (IAM) has played a background role—a fundamental but ‘invisible’ part of digital transformation. That’s why I’m so excited to present IAM 360—the magazine where IAM shifts from a behind-the-scenes function into a dynamic, forward-thinking conversation.

Thales’ new publication could potentially redefine how we think and talk about IAM. Gone are the days when IAM was seen as a ‘dry’ technical detail—a footnote in IT infrastructure. It’s time to view identity and access management in a whole new light! And that’s exactly what this magazine is here to do.

We’re about to hit publish — and as the editor — I’m holding my breath, just a little. A tremendous amount of thought, expertise, and passion has gone into making this debut happen. Before you grab your copy, I want to share the inspiration behind IAM 360 and give you a sneak peak of what’s inside.

Why IAM 360?

“Identity is as diverse as the technology involved and the people who shape it,” writes Danny de Vreeze, Thales VP of IAM, in his Word of Welcome. His powerful statement emphasizes that identity is far too complex to be understood from a single perspective. Much like a 360-degree view, we must examine identity from every angle – and that’s what we’ll do.

Identity is at the center of everything. It follows us from birth, weaving through every milestone and daily activity—from earning a degree and joining the workforce to booking travel or filing an insurance claim. It’s an orbit that constantly circles around us – connected to everything.

We’ll explore how to manage and protect digital identities in today’s world—whether for employees, partners, or customers. But that’s just the beginning. We’ll also dive into unconventional topics, emerging trends, and technologies that are transforming IAM into a dynamic field, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Diverse industry voices, expert insights, best-practices, and fresh thinking

In this issue, you’ll find expert articles that challenge the status quo and ignite fresh perspectives around IAM and the concept of digital transformation. Here’s a glimpse of what’s inside:

• Martin Kuppinger: How the landscape is shifting


• AI in IAM: Can we trust it?


• Digital Twins: What’s IAM got to do with it?


• Passwordless workforce? How can your organization finally get rid of the password headache?


• What’s happening with digital identity wallets?


• What we need to consider around deep fakes.


• Identity at the Center: Inside conversations with Jim and Jeff


• Consumer and data privacy under an entirely new lens


• And much more!

AI as a conversation

AI’s role in IAM is one of the hottest topics in cybersecurity today, and we’re not shying away from the tough questions. We’ll examine whether AI is a tool that will help or harm us. One article provocatively state: “Within cybersecurity, AI is rewriting the rules as we know them, presenting significant challenges and immense opportunities.”

For those who are excited yet cautious about AI, I echo your sentiments, as many of us do. We share this mix of enthusiasm and concern about its implications. IAM360 dive into these critical conversations, examining the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on IAM – and society.

A ‘wallflower’ perhaps, but IAM was always significant

Before joining this industry, I didn’t think much about identity management; I just assumed it was there somehow. Sure, I’d be the first to flee a website with a poor onboarding experience, never to return, but I never considered the orchestration behind it.

I now understand that IAM is a make-or-break element in determining whether a customer actually stays or leaves. IAM was never just about the mechanics of access control, it’s about the future of digital interactions in an increasingly interconnected world – a subject well-worthy of its industry publication.

IAM 360 aims to shed light on a field that impacts everything from user experience to cybersecurity, and in doing so, it seeks to bring IAM from its shadows into the spotlight of innovation and relevance. So, while some (much like I did) still consider IAM as a ‘wallflower’ of digital transformation, prepare to see it in full color.

Everything begins with identity and the IAM conversation continues here

So, whether you’re here for the insights, the debates, or simply to stay a step ahead, we hope IAM360 can become your go-to resource for all things identity. On that note, I'd love to hear from you. What topics, people or tech features would you like to see in the issues to come.

Read the full first edition of IAM 360 Magazine, available now!