What is Single Sign-On?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication mechanism that allows users to log in once with a single set of credentials and gain access to multiple applications or services without re-authenticating. SSO is typically implemented using federation standards such as SAML 2.0 or OIDC (OpenID Connect), with an Identity Provider (IdP) acting as the central authentication authority. SSO reduces password fatigue, improves security posture, and streamlines access management for both employees and customers.
Examples
- An enterprise employee authenticates via their company's Okta instance and gains access to Salesforce, GitHub, and their internal intranet without additional logins.
- A B2B SaaS product offers SAML SSO as a paid feature, allowing enterprise customers to connect their Azure AD or Google Workspace identity provider.
- A software licensing platform uses SSO to authenticate users before validating their license entitlements, creating a seamless activation experience.
- A university implements SSO so students and faculty can access the library portal, LMS, and email with a single institutional login.
Common Applications
- Enterprise workforce access management and Zero Trust architecture
- B2B SaaS enterprise tier differentiation (SSO as a paid feature)
- License activation and entitlement validation tied to authenticated identity
- Customer portals and self-service license management consoles
- Educational and government institutions with diverse application portfolios