There seems to be continuing confusion about what access management means. In layman’s terms, accessing an application implies the process of authentication — i.e., opening a browser or accessing a link — where you may be prompted to enter your credentials. If the user provides the right set of credentials, he or she gains access to that application — simple as that.

On the other hand, access management of an application relates to authorization, like what a person can view, change or delete within an application. Using an application or system usually involves requesting entitlement/permission and then gaining access after approval. In identity and access management (IAM), we call that managing access life cycle.