Hey there! 👋
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re excited to highlight the latest updates in Zoho Directory. This year, we have made significant strides in simplifying identity and access management (IAM) and enhancing security, making your job easier and more efficient. Whether you’re an IT admin, HR professional, or business decision-maker, Zoho Directory is here to simplify your life.
Let’s take a look at everything we did this year, from the most impactful updates to how they’ve made managing user access and devices a breeze!
Cross-platform device authentication: Mac, Windows, and Linux
Managing devices across multiple operating systems is complex, with each platform requiring its own configuration. In 2024, Zoho Directory made this process much easier by adding full support for Mac, Windows, and Linux devices.
From popular operating systems like Windows to specialized ones like Red Hat and Fedora, Zoho Directory ensured seamless authentication for all. We also improved device reports, so admins can now easily track which devices are active, need updates, or have unsynced passwords. These updates gave admins better control and fewer surprises when managing their organization’s devices.
🎥 Watch how Zoho Directory simplifies cross-platform authentication for IT admins across Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
Smarter user management: Fast, secure onboarding for every team
Onboarding new employees can be time-consuming, but in 2024, we made it faster and more efficient. We added user provisioning support for AWS, Slack, Salesforce, and many other third-party apps, making it easier for admins to seamlessly import and assign users to the appropriate applications.
Additionally, Directory Stores now supports user sync from G Suite and IDP OneLogin, making it easier to keep user data up to date across platforms. With features like bulk user imports and syncing with popular HR systems such as BambooHR and GreytHR, IT admins can onboard new hires across various teams—whether marketing, IT, or beyond—in no time. We also introduced the option to use CSV files for importing users and assigning them to specific groups, streamlining the process even further.
🎥 Learn more about how we implemented user provisioning.
One password for everything: Simplify logins with SSO and device authentication
Single sign-on (SSO) has been a game-changer in simplifying login processes, and this year, we made it even better. By adding 20+ new apps to our App Catalog—including Zscaler, ServiceNow, and Mimecast—we enabled teams to access all their essential apps using just one password.
We didn’t stop there. We extended the benefits of SSO to device sign-ins, allowing employees to use the same credentials for both their work apps and devices. This unified approach not only reduced password fatigue for employees but also strengthened security throughout organizations.
Security you can trust: Strengthened password policies and enhanced protection
At Zoho Directory, security is our top priority. This year, we focused on improving Directory's password management and ensuring only the right people have access to specific information.
We updated our password reset flow so only users with verified primary emails can reset their passwords. This extra layer of security helped prevent unauthorized access and kept organizations safe. We also shared best practices for setting up strong password policies.
🎥 Check out these tips on creating a strong password policy.
Simplifying compliance: Streamlining your SOC 2 certification journey
Navigating compliance can be tricky, but Zoho Directory made it easier than ever this year. We added streamlined tools for SOC 2 support, giving users the features needed to automate reports, manage access, and ensure their teams are following the right security protocols.
📖 Read our blog to learn how to simplify your SOC 2 compliance journey.
Small updates, big impacts: Admin tools made IAM easier
We didn’t forget about the little things that made a big difference in your day-to-day life. Here are a few admin-friendly updates that saved users time and energy:
iOS 18 widgets: We added iOS 18 widgets, giving users the ability to manage Zoho Directory tasks directly from their phones.
Role-based permissions: Admins were able to see who had access to what with our improved roles feature.
CSV syncing: For admins who were still managing users with spreadsheets, our CSV syncing made sure their user data was up to date and secure.
These small updates ensured that Zoho Directory worked for our users, not the other way around! 🙌
Stay Updated with ‘Always Verify’
Looking to stay informed about the latest in identity and access management? Don’t miss our Always Verify newsletter on LinkedIn! Published monthly, it’s packed with actionable insights, best practices, and updates on IAM trends.
A Year of Progress: A Team Dedicated to Your Success
Before we wrap up, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Whether you’re an IT admin, HR professional, or business decision-maker, your feedback and trust in Zoho Directory drive us to keep improving.
This year, our team worked tirelessly to bring you these new features and enhancements—each one was designed to make your job easier and more efficient. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue innovating and supporting you every step of the way.
We hope these updates have made managing your workforce’s identity and access a lot smoother and more secure.
Cheers to a productive 2025! 🎉
Ready to explore the latest features?
Start using Zoho Directory today to simplify how you manage identity and access. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your processes, we’re here to help.
📞 Request a demo or check out our blogs and videos to learn more. Let’s make managing your team’s identity and security simpler in 2025!
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