Keycloak: When Good Intentions Meet Frustrating Reality

Introduction

Let's talk about Keycloak, the so-called "cool" kid in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) world. But, spoiler alert, it’s not as cool as it thinks it is. This open-source tool from 红帽 tries to be the rockstar of IAM, but it’s more like that one band that had one hit song and then faded into obscurity. Let’s dive into why Keycloak is more wannabe than legend.

Red Hat’s Corporate Puppet

First off, let’s get real about Red Hat. They’re owned by IBM now, which means they’re more interested in making big bucks than in the spirit of open-source community. Keycloak’s development is driven by what makes money, not what users actually need. It’s like when your favorite indie band signs with a major label and starts making bland, generic pop songs. Keycloak could’ve been awesome, but it’s weighed down by Red Hat’s corporate strings.

Usability Nightmares

If you’re running a tech company, you don’t have time to babysit your IAM system. But with Keycloak, you’re going to be stuck doing just that. The learning curve is ridiculous. The documentation is supposed to help, but it’s like reading a novel in a language you kinda-sorta know. You’ll spend ages just trying to figure out how to do basic stuff. It’s like getting a brand new smartphone that requires you to read a 500-page manual just to send a text. Just look at Keycloak Google Group and users' questions

Integration Hassles

Oh, and don’t even get me started on integrations. Keycloak brags about being compatible with all sorts of apps and protocols, but reality check: it’s a mess. Integration guides are outdated faster than you can say "update," and the community support is hit or miss. It’s like trying to build a LEGO set without the instructions – sure, you’ll get something that looks like a spaceship eventually, but it’s not gonna fly.

Security: Open Source, Open Problems

Let’s talk security. Keycloak fans love to say that being open-source means it’s super secure because anyone can check the code. But guess what? That also means anyone can find and exploit vulnerabilities. And because Red Hat is juggling its enterprise clients, you might not get the quick fixes you need unless you’re a big shot. So, while you’re waiting for that critical security patch, your system is just sitting there, exposed. It’s like leaving your front door wide open because you’re “expecting guests.”

Performance and Scalability? Yeah, Right

Keycloak promises to scale with your business, but it’s more like trying to fit into your high school jeans – uncomfortable and not gonna happen without some serious adjustments. Performance issues pop up all the time, and scaling Keycloak feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark. You’ll need a team of experts just to keep it running smoothly, which means more money and more headaches.

Conclusion: Don’t Fall for the Hype

So, what’s the takeaway? Keycloak might seem like the edgy, cool IAM solution at first glance, but it’s a poser. It’s weighed down by 红帽 's corporate greed, it’s a nightmare to use and integrate, and it’s got more security holes than Swiss cheese. And don’t even think about scaling it without turning your life into a full-time Keycloak maintenance gig.

If you had a different experience with the Keycloak then please feel free to share your opinion in the comments, otherwise we hope this article will help you to avoid decision making mistakes

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