Is OKTA worth joining at this stage? It seems that their stock got a major hit in the last few months, not sure if they have any future beyond their core identity space? More context, I am in early talks with them for a SWE position there. 10+ YoE TC ~ 300 Bellevue, WA
Azure AD & “Apps” basically built their entire platform in house. It’s not as sexy, but equally capable IMO. I fail to see how they continue to compete unless their innovation strategy is really transformational. Google’s identity practice is growing and compelling, AWS integrates decently with MSFT identity... I just don’t see a lot of equity based upside here tbh, so TC better be good compared to other options. Still possible for big SFDC acquisition.
Azure AD is a their biggest competition but not because it is a better product for sure, it's actually very inferior in many aspects, but Microsoft has deeper pockets, the fact that Okta exists is a proof of how bad AD is
AAD is not inferior in all aspects, but culture and sense of belonging is much better (I came here from MSFT). Azure AD is not a major focus for Microsoft, but a great tool to lock Customers into the ecosystem just as AD did before. Reliability and customer satisfaction seems better on our end. There are also anecdotes how Satya visited the shabby Okta office at the beginning (before he was CEO) to see what Okta was doing. At that point Okta was stealing customers from MSFT because O365 worked better with it. At the end much more scope and things to learn here, even if it doesn’t beat Azure AD in the long run.
Something fundamental to understand about Okta is we came to be a 15bil company from creating some core value props for our customers from product side. Pair that with an excellent GTM and sales motion you have what Okta is today. That momentum is still why is Okta cruising. It’s this culture of customer focused product building and GTM that will also get us to the level. Because Okta is good at executing. IMO long term we need play the right cards in maximizing customer value. Short term the momentum is too strong for Okta to slow down. Joining now means you’ll get to see and work on that transition. What will take us into the future while keeping the current growth afloat. To many of us that’s a fascinating problem. The question for you becomes is that something that excites you and what do you value most at this point in your career. Good luck either way! Bellevue office has some great engineers.
Still worth it IMO, joined not too long ago and don’t regret it. Bellevue office is expanding and in general there is a lot of growth. Little bump in stock price should be temporary, mainly because we raised money and should have close to 1.5B in the bank now.
So how do you feel Okta will continue to grow?
How's wlb there? Any layoffs? Learning a lot? Stress level? TIA