Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
By The InCommon Academy Team
On June 25, 2025, the InCommon Academy hosted a Thread Meetup about IAM Modernization for 50+ community members. The key themes that emerged from this discussion illustrated that while the technical aspects of IAM are complex, many of the most significant challenges are organizational, resource-related, and process-oriented.
The golden thread, or central insight, of the discussion was that “modernization is what you make it” and reflects the reality that successful IAM modernization isn’t about implementing a checklist of buzzword technologies, but rather about understanding your institution’s specific context, building mature foundational practices, and making incremental progress toward a clearly defined vision.
The discussion particularly highlighted the tension between aspirational “modern” IAM concepts and the practical realities of resource constraints, legacy systems, and complex organizational needs that characterize higher education institutions.
It will take significant time and effort to move your IAM modernization efforts forward. Take it in strategic, incremental steps. Here are 6 ways you can get started.
1 – Connect with your peers.
Contribute to community knowledge by sharing what works and what doesn’t. Share templates and frameworks, participate in working groups, and help shape future InCommon programming and resources.
2 – Assess your current state.
Document your “Ocean Elephant” by writing down your specific modernization challenges and overwhelming factors. As discussed in the meeting, catalog what you’re working with and identify your oldest and newest systems.
3 – Improve internal communication.
Educate your leadership that IAM is an essential security function, identify who else on campus needs to be involved in IAM decisions, and create a communication plan to establish regular touchpoints with key stakeholders.
4 – Document what you have.
Create a basic architecture diagram and map your current IAM component and data flows. Start an identity data dictionary to document what makes up an identity at your institution.
5 – Address knowledge management.
Document institutional knowledge by capturing processes and decisions before people leave. Create process documentation and establish change management processes for updating documentation and procedures.
6 – Plan your modernization strategy.
Focus on areas where you can make progress with available resources. Look at what peer institutions have implemented successfully, and make informed decisions about tools and platforms based on your specific needs and constraints.
Join Us for the Next Thread Meet Up
Participate in the next Thread Meetup on August 6, 2025 when we’ll discuss Navigating Hybrid IAM & Entra ID Integration. Ready to untangle the complexities of integrating Entra ID into your existing identity landscape? Connect with fellow IAM practitioners in an open discussion about real-world experiences transitioning from legacy on-premises systems while maintaining hybrid operations.
Share challenges, swap strategies, and explore together how to successfully weave Entra ID into complex institutional environments, unify multiple SSO solutions, and balance cloud scalability with legacy dependencies. This collaborative discussion brings together your diverse perspectives on integration hurdles licensing considerations, stakeholder management, and change preparation. Whether you’re exploring an Entra ID implementation or refining existing hybrid environments, join the conversation with peers navigating similar transformations.
Mark your calendars now and join the discussion:
- When: August 6 @ 3-4 p.m. ET
- Where: Zoom – RSVP Here
To help facilitate open discussion, all attendees will need to RSVP. Additionally, please note this session will be recorded and shared.
Have questions or ideas for this discussion? Let us know! Contact Jody Tracy.
About InCommon Academy Thread Meet Ups
Unravel complexities. Stitch in what matters. Together. Join fellow IAM professionals in our focused, community-driven discussions designed to spark meaningful dialogue on the topics that matter most to you. Thread Meetups are offered as the need arises. No matter the topic of the day, you’ll join a collaborative dialogue with peers who share your professional interests and experience. Thread Meetups are a space to talk through what’s timely and relevant — whether you’re wrestling with implementation challenges, exploring emerging trends, or seeking new perspectives. These meetups provide just the right environment where you can walk away with a new idea, a connection, or a clearer path forward.