{"id":5345,"date":"2023-05-16T09:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jumpcloud.com\/blog\/?p=5345"},"modified":"2024-01-29T13:50:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T18:50:43","slug":"windows-auth-g-suite-identities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/blog\/windows-auth-g-suite-identities","title":{"rendered":"How to Authenticate Windows Devices Using Google Workspace Identities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Apple has gained immense popularity in recent years. However, the global market share for Windows-based devices still has a commanding lead exceeding 70%<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means IT admins and organizations still need to optimize their systems for Windows-based devices despite being tempted to use non-Windows products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems like everyone has a Gmail address these days \u2014 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Google Workspace’s Directory, Google Cloud Identity<\/a>, has some limitations when it comes to authentication beyond Google Workspace applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will look closer at the challenges of Google Workspace authentication for Windows devices. We\u2019ll also explore how the JumpCloud Directory Platform can provide an efficient solution when paired with Google Workspace<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google Workspace Authentication for Windows Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So, you\u2019re looking for a way to use your Google Workspace identity to log into your organization\u2019s systems, SaaS apps, cloud infrastructure, and file servers. At this point, you may have realized the steps involved aren\u2019t always straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Cloud Identity is useful for managing user accounts for Google applications, there are some potential hurdles to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google doesn\u2019t<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that said, Google does<\/em> provide access to some Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) applications, SAML applications, Open Authorization (OAuth)-based apps, and some Windows devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Challenge of Managing User Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once upon a time, Active Directory<\/a> and domain controllers made True Single Sign-On (SSO)<\/a> possible, but this required all IT resources to be on-premise and dependent on Microsoft solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Log in to Everything with Your Google Workspace Identity <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JumpCloud and Google Workspace<\/a> 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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \"JumpCloud\"\n <\/div>\n
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\n Securely connect to any resource using Google Workspace and JumpCloud. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does It Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

JumpCloud SAML SSO<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the OAuth2 integration creates a secure and continuous connection between JumpCloud and Google Workspace. It allows for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n