MIM Portal is usually the starting point for administrators who configure the MIM Service because of its SharePoint recognizable web components. MIM Service has its own database, in which it stores information about the identities it manages. MIM Portal is the way to make changes to these identities, which can trigger changes in other connected systems.

MIM Service plays many roles in MIM, and during the design phase, the capabilities of MIM Service are often in focus. MIM Service allows you to enforce the Identity Management policy within your organization and also makes sure you are compliant at all times.

MIM Portal can be used for self-service scenarios, allowing users to manage some aspect of the Identity Management process. For example, the self-service password reset is only possible after you deploy MIM service.

MIM Portal is actually an ASP.NET application using Microsoft SharePoint as a foundation, and can be modified in many ways. MIM Service adds custom activities around the MIM and cloud integration story.

The configuration of MIM Service is usually done using MIM Portal, but it may also be configured using PowerShell or even your own custom interface.