> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/providers.md).

# Providers

A **provider** is a logical object in Devolutions PAM that represents and manages an external [identity provider](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/identity-providers/). It serves as the communication layer that orchestrates operations such as authentication requests, policy enforcement, and identity validation between Devolutions PAM and the external identity provider.

The provider controls and secures all interactions, ensuring that identity verification processes align with organizational policies and access control rules. This modular approach allows flexible and centralized identity management within Devolutions PAM.

Devolutions PAM supports three types of providers: managed, unmanaged, and custom PAM providers. Managed providers are fully integrated and maintained within Devolutions PAM, offering automation and policy control. Unmanaged providers require manual configuration and are typically used for simpler or legacy identity systems. Custom PAM providers add versatility by enabling dynamic identity federation.

#### Related topics

* [Providers (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/providers/)
* [Managed providers (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/providers/managed-providers/)
* [Custom PAM providers (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/providers/anyidentity-providers/)

#### See also

* [Add a PAM provider (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/getting-started/add-pam-provider/)
* [Create a custom PAM provider in Devolutions Server](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/getting-started/anyidentity/create-anyidentity-pam-provider-dvls/)
* [PAM reports in Devolutions Server](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/pam-reports/)
* [Unmanaged (password reset only) providers (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/providers/password-reset-only-providers/)


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