Atomic Venture Capital Okta SSO Integration Case Study

The Challenge: Complex Multi-Company Identity Management

Atomic faced unique identity management challenges due to their distinctive business model:

Primary Pain Points

• No Single Identity Source: Scattered user management across multiple cloud platforms without centralized control.
• Password Reset Crisis: Constant password reset requests related to Google Workspace, consuming significant IT resources
• Multi-Company Complexity: Managing identities for both Atomic employees and multiple portfolio companies -PortCo- required a flexible, scalable solution
• Security Gaps: Inconsistent access controls and authentication methods across different applications
• Communication Challenges: Need for clear provisioning strategy to onboard users to the new SSO system

Business Impact

The lack of unified identity management was creating operational inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and a poor user experience for employees across Atomic's portfolio ecosystem. With 150+ users and growing portfolio companies, these challenges would only intensify without a comprehensive solution.

The Solution: Enterprise Okta Identity Platform

Strategic Okta Implementation

Iron Cove Solutions partnered with Atomic to implement a comprehensive Okta identity management platform featuring Universal Directory “UD“, Single Sign-On “SSO“, Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication “AMFA“, and Identity Governance capabilities.

Core Solution Components:

1. Okta Universal Directory as Single Source of Truth “SSOT“
2. Enterprise Single Sign-On “SSO“ Implementation
3. Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication “AMFA“
4. Identity Governance & Administration
5. Automated Lifecycle Management “LCM“
6. Sandbox Environment for Testing

Licensing & Infrastructure

The project included comprehensive Okta licensing for 150+ users covering Universal Directory, SSO, AMFA, Identity Governance, and Sandbox Plus environments to support both Atomic and their portfolio companies.

Implementation Methodology: Proven Deployment Process

Iron Cove Solutions followed a structured deployment methodology focused on minimizing disruption while ensuring comprehensive integration:

Deployment Process Framework

Technical Implementation Details

Okta Platform Configuration

1. Universal Directory Setup
   • Configured as the authoritative Single Source of Truth “SSOT“
   • User profile attributes and custom schema design
   • Group rules for automatic user assignment
   • Profile master configuration for data flow
2. Single Sign-On Implementation
   • SAML 2.0 integration for enterprise applications
   • Secure Web Authentication “SWA“ for non-SAML apps
   • Okta Browser Plugin deployment strategy
   • Deep-link authentication configuration
3. Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication “SWA“
   • Risk-based authentication policies
   • Context-aware security controls
   • Multiple authenticator options (Okta Verify, SMS, etc.)
   • Device trust and recognition
4. Identity Governance
   • Role-based access control (RBAC) implementation
   • Access certification workflows
   • Audit logging and compliance reporting
   • Lifecycle management automation

Integrated Applications - Phase 1

Core Business Applications

Future Phase Applications

Project Delivery & Engagement Model

Client Responsibilities & Partnership

System Access & Infrastructure

• ✅ Administrative access to all application tenants
• ✅ Remote connectivity testing and validation
• ✅ Software license procurement and upgrades
• ✅ Monday.com project management system access for ICS team

Communication & Change Management

• ✅ Internal user communication and email distribution
• ✅ Stakeholder coordination and alignment
• ✅ User onboarding strategy execution
• ✅ End-user training and support

Data Quality & Application Readiness

• ✅ Data completeness and accuracy assurance
• ✅ Application license verification and upgrades for SSO capability
• ✅ Timely feedback and approvals during implementation
• ✅ Active participation in testing and validation

Key Success Factors & Risk Mitigation

Investment & ROI Considerations

Project Investment

Value Delivered

• Immediate Efficiency: Eliminated password reset crisis with Google Workspace
• Enhanced Security: Enterprise-grade AMFA and governance across all applications
• Scalability: Foundation to support unlimited portfolio company users
• User Experience: Single sign-on across 11+ applications
• IT Productivity: Automated lifecycle management and reduced help desk tickets
• Compliance: Comprehensive audit trails and identity governance

Conclusion: Foundation for Venture Capital Growth

The Atomic Okta integration project successfully established a scalable, secure identity management platform that supports both Atomic's internal operations and their unique “hub and spoke“ model for portfolio companies.

By implementing Okta Universal Directory as the Single Source of Truth and integrating 11 critical business applications, Atomic now operates with streamlined authentication, enhanced security, and a foundation that can scale infinitely as their portfolio grows. The elimination of the Google Workspace password reset crisis alone delivers immediate ROI, while the comprehensive identity governance framework ensures long-term security and compliance.

This case study showcases Iron Cove Solutions expertise in enterprise Okta implementations for venture capital firms and complex multi-company environments. Project details based on actual Statement of Work dated February 21, 2023.