In Part 2 we covered enterprise suites. Here we compare two common alternatives: SaaS/self-service elevation tools and DIY workarounds (scripts, scheduled tasks, “run as” utilities).

SaaS/self-service elevation tools

Cloud-first tools aim for quick deployment with a portal and endpoint agent. Typical capabilities include single-app elevation and temporary admin sessions, approvals, and audit trails. Consider them if you need:

• User-initiated elevation requests with justification/approval.
• Optional temporary admin sessions for specific work.
• Multi-OS coverage and a cloud dashboard.

Potential fit gaps

• Ongoing tuning: request prompts can create noise without careful policy.
• Cloud dependency: some environments prefer no external comms for endpoints.
• Scope mismatch: if you already know the 3–5 apps that must run elevated, requests may be overkill.

DIY workarounds

Admins often try scheduled tasks, service helpers, or “run as admin” shortcuts. Free utilities like RunAsTool can elevate specific programs for standard users without giving them admin passwords. These can work in a pinch, but at scale they bring issues:

• Drift: scripts and local tasks go stale; devices fall out of compliance.
• Secrets handling: storing creds or tokens safely is non-trivial.
• No central view: troubleshooting and auditing is harder.

Where Elevator fits

• Windows-first, domain-friendly: deploy via Intune, GPO, or your software tool; no extra infra.
• Whitelist the few apps you approve; users remain standard but those apps launch elevated automatically.
• No new UX: existing shortcuts work; fewer tickets and zero user retraining.
• Right-sized control: elevate the task, not the user; keep everything else least-privilege.

Rule of thumb: If your need is “elevate known, specific Windows applications,” choose the simplest tool that does exactly that—with the least moving parts. That’s precisely what Elevator delivers.

Next: Part 4 is a solution-focused guide: how to roll out Elevator to fix legacy apps that “need admin,” fast.