JumpCloud

JumpCloud markets itself as the Active Directory replacement for the cloud era. While Microsoft's on-premise AD has been the backbone of enterprise identity for decades, it requires Windows Server infrastructure, local domain controllers, and VPN connectivity for remote users — none of which align with distributed, SaaS-first workplaces.

JumpCloud's Open Directory Platform replaces or augments AD with cloud-hosted LDAP, SSO (SAML and OIDC), RADIUS for Wi-Fi and VPN authentication, and cross-platform device management (Windows, macOS, Linux). IT admins can provision users, push device policies, enforce disk encryption and screen lock policies, and manage SSH keys — all from a single web console.

For MSPs, JumpCloud provides a multi-tenant management console that allows managing multiple client organizations from one interface, with per-client billing and reporting. The platform has become popular with managed service providers serving SMB customers who need enterprise-grade identity without enterprise licensing costs.

JumpCloud's free tier is genuinely useful: organizations with up to 10 users get access to the full feature set at no cost, making it easy to evaluate in a real environment. The Platform Plus plan at approximately $9/user/month includes the full directory, SSO, MFA, MDM, and RADIUS functionality. For MSPs and small businesses replacing a domain controller, this is typically 40-60% cheaper than the equivalent Microsoft stack.