Viami Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS) A modern Active Directory alternative for SMBs
Viami is a cloud directory and identity platform that replaces traditional Active Directory/LDAP and gives you an easier, more affordable JumpCloud alternative with SSO, IAM, MFA, and device management in one place.
What is Viami?
Cloud Directory-as-a-Service for modern, hybrid work
Viami is a Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform that centralizes users, groups, and organizational units in the cloud. It brings Active Directory-like capabilities without on-prem servers or VPNs and acts as a simple, secure JumpCloud competitor and Directory-as-a-Service platform for small and midsize businesses.
With Viami, IT teams get a unified cloud directory to manage identities, apply security policies, connect apps via SSO, automate provisioning/deprovisioning, and enforce MFA and adaptive authentication for a remote or hybrid workforce.
Want to understand the concept in more depth? Read our guide on What is Directory-as-a-Service?
Why teams pick Viami over legacy AD and other DaaS vendors
- • Cloud-first Active Directory alternative for SMBs and startups
- • Simpler, more predictable pricing than other DaaS vendors and JumpCloud competitors
- • One place for directory, SSO, MFA, and device policies
- • Built for remote and hybrid workforces from day one
- • Faster onboarding—get started in minutes, not weeks
Who is Viami for?
- • SMBs with roughly 50–1000 users
- • Remote and hybrid-first companies
- • IT teams tired of maintaining on-prem Active Directory
- • Startups that need secure SSO + MFA quickly without heavy infrastructure
Why Directory-as-a-Service?
Modern identity for cloud, SaaS, and hybrid environments
Traditional on-prem Active Directory was built for office networks and domain-joined Windows machines. Today’s teams use cloud apps, remote devices, and hybrid networks, so they need a cloud-native directory.
Cloud & SaaS-first
Connect SaaS, internal, and custom applications to a single cloud directory with secure SSO and unified access policies.
Built for remote work
Give remote and hybrid employees secure access without exposing your network or managing complex VPN and firewall rules.
Simpler than AD
Stop patching domain controllers and managing legacy infrastructure. With DaaS, updates, scaling, and security are handled for you.
Common Directory-as-a-Service Use Cases
Where Viami fits into your IT strategy
Viami helps IT and security teams solve real-world identity, access, and device challenges without the complexity of legacy infrastructure.
Onboarding & offboarding
Automatically provision and deprovision user accounts, group memberships, and access policies when people join, move, or leave the organization.
Secure remote access
Provide secure access to apps and resources for remote employees using SSO, MFA, and conditional access—without relying on legacy VPN-only models.
Active Directory replacement
Gradually phase out on-prem Active Directory for many user and app scenarios by moving identities and policies to a managed cloud directory service.
Multi-tenant & MSP scenarios
Managed Service Providers can centralize identity and access management across multiple client organizations using a single cloud platform.
Modernizing legacy apps
Wrap older applications with modern authentication and directory integration so you can standardize on SSO, MFA, and central identity governance.
Core Capabilities
Everything you expect from a cloud directory — and more
Viami brings together Directory-as-a-Service, Identity and Access Management, SSO, MFA, and device management in a single, integrated platform.
Cloud Directory Services
Centralize users, org units, and groups with policies, attributes, and audit trails—familiar directory concepts delivered as a secure cloud service.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Secure, standards-based SSO (e.g., SAML 2.0) for your SaaS and internal apps with centralized session controls and attribute mapping.
Identity & Access Management
Automated provisioning and deprovisioning, role/attribute-based access, access reviews, and least-privilege by default.
Adaptive Authentication & MFA
Conditional access by IP, device posture, group/OU, and behavior—with MFA automatically triggered when risk increases.
Device Management
Manage Windows desktops, Android devices, and network gear (routers/switches/firewalls) with inventory, posture, and policy enforcement.
Viami Wall
A secure, directory-aware company wall for announcements and internal comms, targeted by OU/group with read receipts and engagement insights.
Viami vs JumpCloud
A simpler, affordable JumpCloud alternative for SMBs
Evaluating JumpCloud competitors? Viami gives you the core capabilities you need from a cloud directory and IAM platform, with a simpler experience designed for small and midsize businesses. You can also read our dedicated JumpCloud alternative comparison.
| Capability | Viami | JumpCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Target customers | SMBs, startups, and growing teams that want a simple cloud directory | Broad market, including larger and more complex environments |
| Directory-as-a-Service | Cloud-native DaaS with familiar AD-like concepts | Cloud directory with broader feature set |
| Pricing approach | Designed to be predictable and SMB-friendly | Tiered pricing that can grow with features and users |
| SSO & MFA | Included with adaptive authentication and policy controls | Available with a rich feature set |
| Device management | Windows, Android, and network devices for lean IT teams | Broader cross-platform coverage including macOS and Linux |
| Time to value | Minutes to first login with guided rollout | Flexible but may require more planning for full rollout |
Moving from on-prem Active Directory or LDAP?
Start by syncing users and groups, keep SSO familiar, then phase in adaptive authentication and device policies. There is no “big bang” required—migrate at your own pace while keeping your existing identity architecture stable and secure.
Our team can help you design a migration path from Active Directory to cloud Directory-as-a-Service that fits your size, risk profile, and compliance requirements. You can also explore our upcoming guide on an Active Directory alternative strategy.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Viami DaaS
Answers to common questions from IT leaders evaluating Directory-as-a-Service, Active Directory alternatives, and JumpCloud competitors.
Can Viami fully replace on-prem Active Directory?
For many small and midsize businesses, yes. Viami can act as the primary cloud directory for users, groups, and policies while connecting to your applications via SSO and modern authentication protocols—without domain controllers or VPNs.
Is Viami only for cloud-native companies?
No. Viami works well in hybrid environments where you still have on-prem systems, network devices, or legacy applications. You can begin by centralizing identities and SSO, then gradually phase in more policies and integrations.
How long does it take to get started?
Most teams can get a basic Directory-as-a-Service deployment running in hours, not weeks. We provide guidance so you can import users, configure SSO, and start enforcing MFA quickly.
What makes Viami different from other JumpCloud competitors?
Viami focuses on delivering the core capabilities SMBs actually need—cloud directory, SSO, IAM, MFA, and essential device management in a platform that is easy to adopt and manage, without overwhelming configuration or unpredictable costs.
Ready to evaluate Viami Directory-as-a-Service?
Let’s map Viami to your current identity architecture and show how it can replace or complement Active Directory in your environment.