Knox vs. Schellman
Most SaaS companies don’t fail to enter the federal market because of lack of demand.
They fail because FedRAMP is too slow, too expensive, and too unpredictable.
Advisors like Schellman help companies navigate FedRAMP.
Knox delivers FedRAMP authorization.
ATOs & Sponsors
Advising firms can provide expertise and guidance to help companies prepare for FedRAMP. For early organizations in a learning stage, this may be of interest. However, gaining consultancy is not gaining authorization. Becoming FedRAMP authorized requires an ATO, or Authority to Operate, and a federal Sponsor. Knox is Software as a Service (SaaS) and our ATOs and Sponsors are inheritable for our customers. Schellman is an advising firm, so their customers must secure their own Sponsor, build and run their own ATO environment, pay for their own audit, and generally take the traditional “DIY” approach, with the addition of guidance.
Top Agency Inheritable Sponsors
16 Inheritable ATOs
90 Days, for 90% Less, every time
Included Audits, Security Stack, TechOps Support
Schellman
Customers own their own sponsor
Customers own their own ATO
Variable timelines and cost per customer
Customers own audits, security stack, and support team
Delivery vs. DIY
Knox is purpose-built to guarantee FedRAMP authorization and unlock federal revenue for customers. Advisors can help companies navigate the process, but the entire authorization burden still lies with the companies.
SaaS vs. DIY for FedRAMP
Both SaaS and Advising models require a detailed System Security Plan (SSP), FedRAMP boundary diagram, and a third-party assessment for authorization. With a SaaS model like Knox, the burden of responsibility falls to Knox, which takes care of all three in 90 days or less. With an Advising model like Schellman, the burden of responsibility falls to customers, with guidance from Schellman, so timelines and results vary with DIY solutions.
SaaS Model - Knox
We have and maintain the ATO boundary. You operate inside it. No sponsor required.
FedRAMP Authorized Boundary
(Owned by Knox)
Knox Authorized Environment (IL4+)
Security Controls · Cloud Infra · ATO & Continuous Monitoring
Your Application
Deployed and operated within Knox's authorized boundary
Advising Model - Schellman
With guidance, you own your ATO boundary, your sponsor, and your operations.
FedRAMP Authorized Boundary
Schellman
Schellman Platform / Infrastructure
Security Controls · Cloud Infra · Monitoring
Your Application
Built, configured, and operated with guidance, but independently
Advice helps you build. Knox gets you to market.
Don’t reinvent the wheel: Starting selling to the government in 90 days.
Trusted by enterprise teams to deliver FedRAMP ATO outcomes
Don't take it from us. Hear from our customers:
Due Diligence
Questions to Ask When Choosing a FedRAMP Partner
Knowledge is power.
We recommend exploring these areas before you choose your FedRAMP path.
Do I actually inherit an ATO, or just inherit controls?
Will I need my own sponsor at any point?
Am I operating inside your authorization boundary?
What is the real time to deployment?
What dependencies could delay me?
What is total cost to get authorized and live?
What costs are variable or tied to timeline risk?
When can I start selling to federal customers?
When do customers typically begin to generate revenue?
Will you share customer case studies?
Is there a current customer I can speak with?
Schellman provides FedRAMP guidance. Knox ensures FedRAMP authorization – removing it as a barrier and unlocking federal revenue. If you still own the process, you still own the risk.
Start Selling to the Government
in Just 3 Months.
Faster access. Lower cost. Real revenue. Proven results.
Get started with Knox today.