Share This Article
Contents
Apple has gained immense popularity in recent years. However, the global market share for Windows-based devices still has a commanding lead exceeding 70%.
This means IT admins and organizations still need to optimize their systems for Windows-based devices despite being tempted to use non-Windows products.
It seems like everyone has a Gmail address these days — either personally or professionally. The unparalleled convenience, user experience, and simplicity of Google Workspace have made the platform an increasingly popular choice to include within tech stacks for organizations of all sizes.
But Google Workspace’s Directory, Google Cloud Identity, has some limitations when it comes to authentication beyond Google Workspace applications.
This article will look closer at the challenges of Google Workspace authentication for Windows devices. We’ll also explore how the JumpCloud Directory Platform can provide an efficient solution when paired with Google Workspace.
Google Workspace Authentication for Windows Devices
So, you’re looking for a way to use your Google Workspace identity to log into your organization’s systems, SaaS apps, cloud infrastructure, and file servers. At this point, you may have realized the steps involved aren’t always straightforward.
While Cloud Identity is useful for managing user accounts for Google applications, there are some potential hurdles to consider.
Google doesn’t leverage native Windows, macOS, or Linux authentication; APIs; or many other protocols. Translation: this discrepancy can cause a significant gap in managing users and their IT resources.
With that said, Google does provide access to some Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) applications, SAML applications, Open Authorization (OAuth)-based apps, and some Windows devices.
The Challenge of Managing User Access
Once upon a time, Active Directory and domain controllers made True Single Sign-On (SSO) possible, but this required all IT resources to be on-premise and dependent on Microsoft solutions.
As companies increasingly operate in hybrid environments that prioritize Google Workspace, the capability to centralize user management within the confines of a physical network has disappeared.
This means businesses now face the challenge of managing user access across a variety of platforms and applications, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. Without a unified user management system, delays in granting or revoking user access are inevitable.
The difficulties involved in tracking user activity, and the increased administrative burden are other hurdles worth mentioning. Admins have no option but to implement additional solutions or workarounds to effectively manage user access and security.
Log in to Everything with Your Google Workspace Identity
If you’re tired of juggling different platforms and applications while managing user access, we have good news. An agnostic cloud directory now exists as an alternative to Active Directory, and it plays nicely with Google Workspace!
JumpCloud and Google Workspace provide organizations with an all-in-one IT management and productivity solution. Admins can now effortlessly manage identity, access, and devices using Google Workspace identities from a single platform.
Connect to any resource from anywhere using a trusted device, without getting locked into one legacy vendor. JumpCloud treats Windows, macOS, and Linux devices equally, making it a versatile solution. What’s more, admins can now authenticate and provision Google Workspace users across 800+ applications using System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM), Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML 2.0), and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
How Does It Work?
JumpCloud SAML SSO provides a seamless and secure way for users to access Google Workspace with a single set of credentials, delivering a true single sign-on experience.
The integration with Google Workspace allows users to sign in with a single set of credentials providing the experience of a true single sign-on. It utilizes a SAML 2.0 Connector that enables users to authenticate to Google Workspace with their JumpCloud account.
Additionally, the OAuth2 integration creates a secure and continuous connection between JumpCloud and Google Workspace. It allows for:
- Bi-directional synchronization of users
- Centralized and automated provisioning and de-provisioning
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Password management
- Patch management
- Access control
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- SSO for Google Workspace and other resources
The integration provides a streamlined experience for users and ensures up-to-date and accurate user attributes. The result is less friction and more time to get to work done.
Why Pair Google Workspace with JumpCloud for Windows?
Put simply, it simplifies user management and increases security posture across IT infrastructure. This joint platform leverages the cloud-based open directory architecture of JumpCloud along with the productivity benefits of Google Workspace, providing a comprehensive solution for collaboration.
Admins can centralize user credentials and exercise more control over IT resources. They can also eliminate the need to maintain and secure Microsoft Active Directory or OpenLDAP instances, allowing complete movement to the cloud.
This means user locations won’t matter when it comes to enabling identity workflows and synchronization to numerous applications, Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), and cloud infrastructure.
Moreover, the flexible infrastructure provided by the partnership offers the potential to evolve and change over time, making IT environments future-proof. Admins will be in a position to adjust to the latest technological advancements while avoiding any hindrances that could slow down your operations.
Leverage Google and JumpCloud for Success
Are you ready to eliminate the need for multiple point solutions that clutter IT environments, resulting in smoother operations?
JumpCloud Directory Platform and Google Workspace offer a cost-effective, modern solution for identity, access, and device management that surpasses traditional single-vendor solutions.
If you want to learn more about how to integrate Windows authentication with Google Workspace identities, schedule a demo with us today.
