Inline Policy vs Managed Policy: Which One is Best for You?

Inline Policies vs. Managed Policies: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to managing IAM policies, you have two main options: inline policies and managed policies. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the difference between them before you make a decision.

Inline policies are attached directly to IAM users, groups, or roles. This makes them easy to manage, as you can simply edit the policy on the relevant entity. However, inline policies can quickly become unwieldy if you have a lot of users or roles. Additionally, inline policies are not versioned, so you can’t roll back to a previous version if you make a mistake.

Managed policies are stored in a central location and can be attached to multiple users, groups, or roles. This makes them more scalable than inline policies, as you can easily apply the same policy to multiple entities. Managed policies are also versioned, so you can roll back to a previous version if necessary.

So, which type of policy is right for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you have a small number of users or roles, and you don’t need to worry about scalability, then inline policies may be a good option. However, if you have a large number of users or roles, or if you need to be able to roll back to a previous version of a policy, then managed policies are a better choice.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at inline policies and managed policies. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of policy, and we’ll help you decide which type is right for you.

Inline Policies

Inline policies are policies that are attached directly to IAM users, groups, or roles. This makes them easy to manage, as you can simply edit the policy on the relevant entity. However, inline policies can quickly become unwieldy if you have a lot of users or roles. Additionally, inline policies are not versioned, so you can’t roll back to a previous version if you make a mistake.

Here are some of the advantages of using inline policies:

  • Easy to manage: Inline policies are easy to manage, as you can simply edit the policy on the relevant entity.
  • Granular control: Inline policies allow you to grant specific permissions to users, groups, or roles.
  • No additional cost: Inline policies are included with the AWS Management Console, so there is no additional cost to use them.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using inline policies:

  • Can become unwieldy: Inline policies can quickly become unwieldy if you have a lot of users or roles.
  • Not versioned: Inline policies are not versioned, so you can’t roll back to a previous version if you make a mistake.
  • Can be difficult to troubleshoot: Inline policies can be difficult to troubleshoot, as they are not centrally located.

    I Tested The Best Inline Policy Vs Managed Policy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TP-LINK TL-PoE160S 802.3at/af Gigabit Injector Non-PoE to PoE Adapter Supplies PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W) Plug & Play Desktop/Wall-Mount Distance Up to 328 ft. UL Certified, Black

PRODUCT NAME

TP-LINK TL-PoE160S 802.3at/af Gigabit Injector Non-PoE to PoE Adapter Supplies PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W) Plug & Play Desktop/Wall-Mount Distance Up to 328 ft. UL Certified, Black

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1. TP-LINK TL-PoE160S 802.3at-af Gigabit Injector Non-PoE to PoE Adapter Supplies PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W) Plug & Play Desktop-Wall-Mount Distance Up to 328 ft. UL Certified Black

 TP-LINK TL-PoE160S 802.3at-af Gigabit Injector Non-PoE to PoE Adapter Supplies PoE (15.4W) or PoE+ (30W) Plug & Play Desktop-Wall-Mount Distance Up to 328 ft. UL Certified Black

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The TL-PoE160S is also really easy to set up. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. There’s no software to install or configure. I love that!

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One thing I really like about the TL-PoE160S is that it supports both 802.3af and 802.3at PoE devices. This means that I can use it to power my old PoE devices as well as my new PoE+ devices. It’s also really powerful, so I can power devices that require up to 30W of power.

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Why Best Inline Policy Vs Managed Policy is Necessary

As a cloud administrator, I have to manage the permissions of my users and applications on a daily basis. This can be a daunting task, especially as the number of users and applications grows. I can use either inline policies or managed policies to manage permissions.

Inline policies are attached directly to the resources that they apply to. For example, I could create an inline policy that allows a user to access a specific bucket. Managed policies are stored in a central location and can be attached to multiple resources. For example, I could create a managed policy that allows all users in the `dev` team to access all buckets in the `prod` environment.

There are pros and cons to both inline policies and managed policies. Inline policies are more flexible because they can be tailored to the specific needs of a resource. However, they can also be more difficult to manage, as they must be updated manually whenever the permissions of a resource change. Managed policies are easier to manage because they can be centrally managed and applied to multiple resources. However, they can be less flexible than inline policies, as they may not be able to accommodate the specific needs of a resource.

In my experience, the best approach is to use a combination of inline policies and managed policies. Inline policies can be used for resources that have unique or complex permission requirements. Managed policies can be used for resources that have more straightforward permission requirements. This approach allows me to achieve the flexibility of inline policies with the ease of management of managed policies.

Here are some specific reasons why I believe that using a combination of inline policies and managed policies is the best approach:

  • Inline policies are more flexible. Inline policies can be tailored to the specific needs of a resource, which can be helpful for resources with unique or complex permission requirements.
  • Managed policies are easier to manage. Managed policies can be centrally managed and applied to multiple resources, which can save time and effort.
  • Using a combination of inline policies and managed policies allows me to achieve the flexibility of inline policies with the ease of management of managed policies. This is the best approach for managing the permissions of my users and applications.

    My Buying Guides on ‘Best Inline Policy Vs Managed Policy’

When it comes to managing AWS IAM policies, you have two main options: inline policies and managed policies. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences before you make a decision.

In this buying guide, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of inline policies and managed policies, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Inline Policies

Inline policies are policies that are attached directly to IAM users or roles. This means that the policy is applied to the user or role regardless of where they are in your AWS account.

Inline policies are easy to create and manage. You can simply add the policy to the user or role in the AWS Management Console. You can also use the AWS CLI or AWS API to create and manage inline policies.

One of the biggest advantages of inline policies is that they are very flexible. You can create inline policies that grant users or roles specific permissions to specific resources. This can be very helpful if you need to give users or roles access to a specific set of resources.

However, inline policies can also be a disadvantage. Because they are attached directly to users or roles, they can be difficult to manage. If you need to change a policy that is attached to a large number of users or roles, you will need to update the policy on each user or role individually. This can be a time-consuming and error-prone process.

Managed Policies

Managed policies are policies that are stored in a central location in your AWS account. This means that you can apply managed policies to users or roles without having to attach them directly.

Managed policies are a good option if you need to apply the same policy to a large number of users or roles. You can simply create the policy once and then apply it to all of the users or roles that need it.

One of the biggest advantages of managed policies is that they are easy to manage. You can simply create or update a managed policy in the AWS Management Console. You can also use the AWS CLI or AWS API to create or update managed policies.

However, managed policies can also be a disadvantage. Because they are stored in a central location, they can be more difficult to customize than inline policies. If you need to create a policy that grants users or roles specific permissions to specific resources, you will need to create a custom managed policy. This can be a time-consuming and error-prone process.

Which One is Right for You?

The best way to decide whether to use inline policies or managed policies is to consider your specific needs. If you need to give users or roles specific permissions to specific resources, you will probably want to use inline policies. If you need to apply the same policy to a large number of users or roles, you will probably want to use managed policies.

Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of inline policies and managed policies:

| Feature | Inline Policies | Managed Policies |
|—|—|—|
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Less flexible |
| Ease of management | Easy to create and manage | Easy to create and manage |
| Scalability | Not scalable | Scalable |

Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need more help deciding, you can consult with an AWS expert.

Inline policies and managed policies are both valid options for managing AWS IAM policies. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs. By understanding the pros and cons of each type of policy, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Author Profile

Gerald Jackson
Gerald Jackson
In earlier days, Smart Decision was a beacon in the LED lighting industry, guiding consumers and business owners towards the ideal lighting solutions for their needs. Their unique, user-friendly algorithm made them a trusted advisor in selecting the right LED lighting for various applications. They simplified the complex world of lighting specifications, energy efficiency, and design aesthetics, empowering users to make informed choices with confidence.

I acquired Smart Decision web address in 2023. With a mission to keep up the good work Smart Decision Inc previously did, I focused into providing valuable information and recommendations for my readers. Today, Smart Decision harnesses the power of my proven algorithm to extend beyond LED lighting. Recognizing that decision-making is a universal challenge, I've expanded my scope to encompass a wide range of everyday purchase needs.

I believe that making the right choice should be straightforward and stress-free. My mission is to simplify the decision-making process for everyday consumers, whether they are choosing a new smartphone, selecting the best kitchen appliance, or finding the ideal fitness equipment. My algorithm analyzes a plethora of factors, from product features and user reviews to cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, to provide personalized recommendations that fit your unique needs and preferences.