What is Cloud Identity?
Cloud Identity is Google’s Identity-as-a-Service platform. The service provides centralized user and device management, Single Sign-On for cloud applications, and Mobile Device Management. Cloud Identity is the foundation for access management in Google Cloud and can also be used independently of Google Workspace.
Core Features
- Single Sign-On: SSO for GCP, SaaS apps, and custom applications
- Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA including support for security keys
- Mobile Device Management: Device policies for Android and Windows (Premium)
- Context-Aware Access: Access based on user, device, and location (Premium)
- Directory Sync: Synchronization with Active Directory or LDAP
Typical Use Cases
GCP Access Management
Cloud Identity as the basis for IAM in Google Cloud. Users are managed centrally, access rights controlled via IAM roles.
Multi-Cloud Identity
Cloud Identity as a central identity provider for GCP alongside AWS and Azure. Federation with services such as Microsoft Entra ID enables SSO across cloud boundaries.
Workforce Identity
Manage employee identities for cloud resources without needing full Google Workspace. Ideal for companies with existing email infrastructure.
Benefits
- No local infrastructure needed for identity management
- Native integration with Google services
- Modern security features such as MFA and context-aware access
- Free edition for basic requirements
Integration with innFactory
As a certified Google Cloud Partner, innFactory supports you with Cloud Identity: identity strategy, federation setup, MDM rollout, and security hardening.
Available Tiers & Options
Free
- Basic identity management
- SSO for GCP
- Up to 50 user licenses by default
- Limited feature set
Premium
- Advanced endpoint management (Android, Windows)
- Context-aware access
- Security center with audit logs
- Per-user pricing
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cloud Identity?
Cloud Identity is Google's Identity-as-a-Service platform. It centrally manages users and devices and provides Single Sign-On for cloud and SaaS applications.
How does Cloud Identity differ from Google Workspace?
Cloud Identity provides pure identity and device management without Gmail, Docs, and other Workspace apps. It suits companies that use GCP but don't need the full Workspace suite.
What does Cloud Identity Premium add?
Premium adds advanced mobile device management for Android and Windows, context-aware access, and a security center with advanced audit logs.
Can I integrate Cloud Identity with Microsoft Entra ID?
Yes, Cloud Identity supports federation with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Okta, and other SAML/OIDC identity providers.
How is Cloud Identity billed?
Cloud Identity Free is free for a limited number of user licenses. Premium is billed per user per month; current prices are available on the official pricing page.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Google Cloud (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Google Cloud.
