Microsoft Pathways

What has been announced regarding BHOLD?

Microsoft has acquired certain assets of BHOLD, a leading provider of identity and access governance functionality. BHOLD will continue as an independent entity.

What are the terms of the deal?

The terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

What capabilities does BHOLD provide?

BHOLD’s product capabilities currently augment Forefront Identity Manager by adding identity and access governance functionality including in-depth role management, separation of duties, access certification, and authorization management. These capabilities help to ensure access controls are enforced and that customers meet their controls policies and obligations.

Today, customers use BHOLD’s capabilities to augment FIM by:

• Managing access rights of people by role to achieve business goals while minimizing risk
• Increasing end user productivity through self-service role management and access recertification
• Aiding in risk management and GRC initiatives with respect to identities and their associated access rights

Why has Microsoft acquired BHOLD assets?

BHOLD is a market leader in providing identity and access governance functionality. BHOLD will continue as an independent entity.

How is the asset acquisition good for customers?

Microsoft is committed to delivering more value within Forefront Identity Manager by adding identity and access governance functionality including in-depth role management, separation of duties, access certification, and authorization management. These capabilities help to ensure access controls are enforced and that customers meet their controls policies and obligations.

How does the BHOLD technology fit with the existing Forefront Identity Manager offering?

The BHOLD solution is currently built with FIM integration.

How will Microsoft license the BHOLD products?

The long-term licensing model for the acquired technologies will be announced at a later date.

Can customers buy BHOLD products today?

Not at this time—effective with the acquisition of these technologies by Microsoft.

I am an existing BHOLD customer. What does this mean to me with our current implementation of BHOLD technologies?

There isn’t any immediate impact to your current implementation of BHOLD technologies. You can continue using the solution. Your support agreements will continue to be honored by BHOLD.

Will BHOLD capabilities be integrated with the FIM roadmap?

More information will be disclosed at a future date.

Will Microsoft continue to make all of the technologies acquired from BHOLD available?

More information will be disclosed at a future date.

What happens to BHOLD customers support agreements?

Current BHOLD customers’ support experience for their current products will remain the responsibility of BHOLD.

How will support for BHOLD customers be impacted?

BHOLD technical support practices and procedures will remain the responsibility of BHOLD. BHOLD will not be releasing any further upgrades to their currently released product versions.

Who does the BHOLD customer need to contact for customer service and support?

BHOLD support contacts and communications remain the same for existing BHOLD customers. Existing BHOLD customers should continue to work with BHOLD or their BHOLD support partner to receive support.

What impact does this have on existing BHOLD partners?

Microsoft values the experience and expertise that BHOLD partners provide around this technology. This transaction will bring new opportunities and business to key partners.

How is the acquisition good for partners?

Microsoft’s acquisition of BHOLD will provide a wide range of opportunities for partners to extend the access and identity management solutions they can provide customers. These include in-depth role management, separation of duties, access certification, and authorization management.

Will the acquisition impact partner contracts?

BHOLD remains an independent entity and BHOLD was not acquired by Microsoft. BHOLD partners should continue to work directly with BHOLD regarding their relationship with BHOLD.