Review: Softerra Adaxes

Using this product, administrators can add a multitude of automation functionality to the already existing Active Directory environment by using an approval-based workflow. Aside from automation, this product also includes many other features, such as a user self-service portal that allows end-users to perform basic account maintenance and password resets without involving an administrator or help desk.

We found installation and configuration to be simple and straightforward. The initial installation is done by running a small executable, which launches an installation wizard. At the completion of the short installation wizard, all the necessary components are installed and the product is up and running. All management can be done from either a management console application or a web-based management interface. Both consoles have pretty much the same options, but there is slightly more configurable options on the administration application.

We found this product to do an excellent job of plugging directly into the existing Active Directory tree. Adaxes can essentially completely replace the existing Microsoft Active Directory Management Console for user and group management. We also found that this tool can fully automate almost any task of user account provisioning - spanning from easy routine tasks to more complex custom tasks. Administrators can set up custom workflows that meet the needs of their specific environment or department quickly and easily. This product also can be used to fully automate processes for maintaining regulatory compliance. Administrators can create workflows forHIPAA and SOX compliance ensuring that proper policy is adhered to in both provisioning and deprovisioning accounts for users.

Documentation provided was actually quite minimal. The package did not include actual installation or administrator guides. Instead, just some basic installation notes are available via the web and a web-based help guide. While the documentation was minimal, we did find it to be quite complete and easy to read. The installation notes provided a fairly detailed, step-by-step installation process overview, and the online help went into a good amount of detail on how to use the product and included clear configuration instructions and many screen shots. So, we found documentation to be quite good, though we still would like to see standalone installation and administrator guides.

Softerra offers customers no-cost installation and implementation advice for new implementation. Customers also can purchase an annual contract, which includes phone- and email-based technical assistance, along with access to an online area on the website. This includes a knowledge base, user forum, FAQ section, online help and many other troubleshooting resources.

At a price starting at $1,600 for up to 100 users, this solution is a bit pricey. However, we do find Softerra Adaxes to be a very good value for the money based on its comprehensive feature set and automation capabilities. This product can save a lot of time for administrators by almost completely automating general Active Directory management.

Strong feature set, but weak documentation.