# Knox Systems Achieves FedRAMP High Authorization
Knox has achieved 16th federal sponsor, FEMA for Fed High authorization.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Marketplace lists [518 certified cloud services](https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/?view=cards&status=FedRAMP+Authorized), yet only 48 hold FedRAMP High authorization. For Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies targeting Department of Defense (DoD) contracts or agencies handling high-impact data, authorized platforms remain scarce. Federal cloud spending reached [$17 billion in 2024](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/cloud-computing/2025/03/from-first-to-smart-how-the-cloud-now-underpins-every-federal-mission/), with high-impact systems accounting for roughly 40% of expenditures.

UberEther's IAM Advantage platform holds FedRAMP High authorization, but its boundary is purpose-built around identity, credential, and access management (ICAM) workloads, runs only on Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud, and carries a single reuse. For SaaS companies outside ICAM, or that need multi-cloud flexibility, these constraints narrow its fit.

This article profiles five alternatives, each assessed on authorization level, cloud infrastructure, control inheritance, and deployment model.

## Key Takeaways

- **FedRAMP High supply is limited.** Only 48 fully authorized FedRAMP High offerings are available in the [FedRAMP Marketplace](/content/resources/fedramp-marketplace-explained/index.html).
- **Boundary scope determines fit.** An ICAM-specific boundary serves identity workloads; general-purpose SaaS applications require a general-purpose FedRAMP boundary.
- **Control inheritance affects timelines.** Inherited authorization models can compress the amount of infrastructure compliance work a SaaS vendor must own directly.
- **Authorization path shapes execution.** FedRAMP High, DoD alignment, cloud choice, and deployment model all affect which platform is practical for a given product.

## Where UberEther Fits and Where It Falls Short

UberEther is a domestically owned small business founded in 2010, focused on ICAM for federal and defense agencies. Its flagship product, [IAM Advantage](https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/FR2208555094/), is a pre-integrated Zero Trust identity platform.

- **FedRAMP High authorized.** IAM Advantage achieved FedRAMP High authorization in October 2023.
- **Pre-integrated Zero Trust identity platform.** Comes pre-loaded with 100+ use cases and integrates with leading ICAM technology stacks.
- **Express Advantage shared-authority model.** Positioned as a mutual authorization boundary option for software companies.
- **AWS GovCloud deployment.** Single-cloud architecture with one Marketplace reuse.
- **ICAM-specific authorization boundary.** Designed around identity workloads rather than general-purpose SaaS.

### 5 Alternatives to UberEther for FedRAMP High Authorization

1. **Knox Systems**  
   Knox Systems is a [FedRAMP-as-a-Service platform](/content/platform/index.html) built for SaaS vendors.  
   - **Multi-cloud boundary** spanning AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
   - **60% to 80% control inheritance.**  
   - **No re-architecture required.**  
   - **Productized landing zone with managed authorization.**  
   - **DoD Impact Level 4 (IL4) supported.**

2. **Second Front Systems (Game Warden)**  
   Operates [Game Warden](https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/FR2410866384/) as a DevSecOps platform.  
   - **FedRAMP High Authorization achieved in August 2025.**  
   - **DoD Impact Level 5 (IL5) authorized via DISA.**  
   - **Deployed on Google Cloud and AWS GovCloud.**

3. **FedHIVE**  
   Operated by Human Resources Technologies, Inc. (HRTec).  
   - **FedRAMP High authorized in 2020 via the JAB authorization path.**  
   - **420+ High Baseline security controls implemented.**  
   - **Multi-tier capability.**

4. **SMX**  
   Operates [SMX (formerly Smartronix)](https://www.fedramp.gov/marketplace/products/F1603077867/).  
   - **FedRAMP-certified for the Elevate Intelligent Automation Platform.**  
   - **Managed services cover DoD IL2, IL4, and IL5.**

5. **Constellation GovCloud (CGC)**  
   Operated by Merlin International.  
   - **FedRAMP Moderate certified (Class C).**  
   - **Pre-built PaaS running on AWS GovCloud.**

## Summary Comparison Table

| Platform | FedRAMP Level | DoD IL Support | Cloud Providers | Control Inheritance | Boundary Scope | Timeline to ATO |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| UberEther (IAM Advantage) | High (Class D) | IL5 (P-ATO) | AWS GovCloud | Not publicly documented | ICAM-specific | Not publicly documented |
| Knox Systems | High | IL4 | AWS, Azure, GCP | 60% to 80% | General-purpose SaaS | ~90 days (as fast as 42 days) |
| Second Front (Game Warden) | High (Class D) | IL2 through IL6 | Google Cloud, AWS GovCloud | Not publicly documented | DevSecOps PaaS | Vendor-stated ~90 days |
| FedHIVE | High (Class D, JAB) | IL4 (P-ATO) | Not publicly stated | Not publicly documented | IaaS/PaaS/SaaS | Not publicly documented |
| SMX (Elevate) | Authorized | IL2, IL4, IL5 | AWS, Azure, GCP | Not publicly documented | Platform | Not publicly documented |
| Constellation GovCloud | Moderate (Class C) | None stated | AWS GovCloud | Not publicly documented | PaaS on AWS GovCloud | Not publicly documented |

## Knox Cuts FedRAMP High Authorization from 18+ Months to Roughly 90 Days

Knox Systems is the one platform in this comparison that delivers a pre-authorized FedRAMP High boundary that SaaS vendors can inherit without changing their architecture, cloud, or workload type.