Learning guitar, mastering the drums, or belting out vocals – the journey of music education is rewarding but demands dedication. For institutions like School of Rock, the global leader in performance-based music education, nurturing musical talent also requires a robust and secure IT infrastructure. With over a decade of experience and more than 160 locations worldwide, School of Rock faced the challenge of managing access and security for a vast network of franchisees, akin to running multiple independent music centers. They turned to Okta to harmonize their identity management, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: music education.
Overcoming Identity Challenges in a Franchise Model
For franchise businesses like School of Rock, supporting franchisees is paramount. As Senior Director of Information Strategy at School of Rock, Sam Dresser explains, “The people we provide support for aren’t our own employees – they’re small business owners. We have to serve them as if they are an end user or customer buying our product.” This unique relationship demanded a security and identity management solution that was both robust and user-friendly. Before Okta, School of Rock’s approach to identity management was, in Sam’s words, “the dark age, like the Wild West.” They lacked a unified strategy, relying on basic security measures and hoping for the best. The rise of mobile work further complicated matters. Franchisees needed to manage their schools from anywhere, requiring mobile-first solutions.
Okta: A Mobile-First Identity Solution for Music Education
Okta transformed School of Rock’s identity management, bringing them into the modern age of secure mobility. “With Okta, we’ve found a platform that allows someone to securely run their school from a tablet or smartphone,” Sam highlights. This shift to mobile-first access is crucial for franchisees who are often on the go, managing various aspects of their music schools, from scheduling lessons to coordinating performances. Okta’s platform provided the cohesive strategy they desperately needed, ensuring secure access for over 500 users across corporate centers, franchised schools, and performance venues globally.
Enhanced User Experience with Okta Mobility Management
One of the standout features for School of Rock users has been Okta Mobility Management (OMM). Initially implemented for data security as employees changed roles, OMM quickly became a favorite among franchisees. The streamlined onboarding experience is a major win. New users simply download the Okta mobile app, and their devices are automatically configured, granting instant access to essential tools like email, calendars, and provisioned applications. This seamless access empowers franchisees and reduces IT friction, allowing them to focus on delivering quality music education.
IT Transformation and Cost Savings
Implementing Okta did more than just improve security and user experience; it revolutionized School of Rock’s IT department. Instead of being bogged down by password resets and access requests, the IT team transitioned into strategic business and technology consultants. This shift allowed them to proactively help franchisees leverage technology to grow their businesses. Furthermore, the efficiency gains and reduced IT overhead resulted in significant cost savings. School of Rock estimates that Okta has helped them save over $300,000, a substantial amount that can be reinvested into enhancing their music education programs and supporting their network of music centers.
Unanimous User Adoption and Single Point of Access
The success of Okta at School of Rock is evident in the near-perfect user adoption rate. “Our adoption is basically 100%,” Sam states. Franchisees appreciate the convenience of a single login and password, making Okta their central starting point for the workday. This single point of access simplifies their daily operations and enhances productivity. For School of Rock, Okta is not just an IT solution; it’s a key enabler for their mission to transform lives through music education, providing franchisees with the secure and efficient tools they need to thrive.
To delve deeper into School of Rock’s success story with Okta, explore the comprehensive case study on Okta’s customer page and watch the insightful interview with Sam Dresser.
