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What is Single Sign On (SSO) Software?
Single Sign On (SSO) Software is used by organizations to streamline the authentication process.
It allows users to use a single set of login credentials to access multiple applications, systems, or services.
This can greatly reduce the amount of time and effort required to manage multiple passwords.
In many cases, it can also improve security by reducing the number of potential points of failure. More than 50% of all employees rely on their memories to remember passwords while at work.
There are a wide variety of SSO solutions available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
The right solution for your organization will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Below we go through the best Single Sign On providers that you should consider for your business:
Best SSO Providers & Software
#1 Microsoft Azure Active Directory
Microsoft Azure Active Directory is a comprehensive identity and access management cloud solution. It combines core directory services, advanced identity governance, and application access management in a single solution.
Azure Active Directory also offers a rich library of built-in connectors and extensibility capabilities.
Azure Active Directory is a cost-effective way to manage user identities and provide single sign-on for cloud and on-premises applications.
It supports industry-standard protocols such as SAML 2.0, WS-Federation, WS-Trust, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect.
You can use Azure Active Directory to authenticate users of your applications and securely store user credentials in the cloud.
Azure Active Directory provides comprehensive security features that can help you protect your applications and data from attack.
Azure Active Directory is available in two editions:
- Azure Active Directory Premium, which is available as a subscription, and
- Azure Active Directory Basic, which is included in all Azure subscriptions at no additional cost.
Azure Active Directory (AD, AAD) Tutorial | Identity and Access Management Service
#2 Okta Identity Cloud
Okta is the leading independent provider of identity for the enterprise. The Okta Identity Cloud connects and protects employees of many of the world’s largest companies.
By securely connecting people with technology, Okta helps companies access the resources they need to be more productive, while still keeping their information safe.
With over 5,500 pre-built integrations, Okta integrates with nearly any app in minutes without additional custom coding.
Okta Identity Management – SSO, MFA, and Password Reset
#3 OneLogin Unified Access Management Platform
OneLogin is the industry-leading solution for unified access management (UAM) and identity management (IdM).
With over 2,500 customers and millions of users worldwide, OneLogin provides an on-demand identity and access management service that enables organizations of all sizes to secure and manage their workforce, partners, and customers with a single login.
OneLogin’s UAM platform simplifies identity management by providing a single sign-on (SSO) to web applications, mobile apps, legacy applications, on-premises resources such as Windows servers, file shares, and virtual private networks (VPNs), as well as cloud-based applications such as Salesforce, Google Apps, Box, and Office 365.
OneLogin’sIdentity Management as a Service (IDaaS) platform provides organizations with the ability to quickly Provision users to all their applications, Synchronize user data across all their applications, and Streamline identity management with Single Sign-On (SSO).
OneLogin is available in over 20 languages and supports any standard protocol including SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0, LDAP, and OpenID Connect.
OneLogin is SOC2 compliant and has been recognized by Gartner as a Leader in the Access Management category for two consecutive years.
#4 Ping Identity Intelligent Platform
Ping Identity Intelligent Platform is the best SSO provider for those who want an advanced and customizable solution.
The platform provides a variety of features that allow you to tailor the experience to your specific needs.
For example, you can use the platform to control access to applications, manage user identities, and create Single Sign-On workflows.
Additionally, the platform offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to get started with using the service.
#5 JumpCloud Directory-as-a-Service
JumpCloud Directory-as-a-Service is the best SSO provider for those who want a simple and cost-effective solution.
It is a cloud-based identity management platform that provides Single Sign-On (SSO), Active Directory Integration, and LDAP. JumpCloud also offers two-factor authentication and end-to-end security features.
JumpCloud is easy to set up and use. It takes minutes to get started, and there is no need for special hardware or software.
JumpCloud is also very affordable, with a pay-as-you-go pricing model that includes a free tier for small businesses.
JumpCloud’s SSO solution supports all major browsers and devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
It also integrates with popular applications such as Google G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Slack, Okta, and more.
How JumpCloud Is Reimagining the Cloud Directory Platform (SSO, MDM, MFA, PAM)
#6 Duo Single Sign-On (SSO)
Duo Single Sign-On (SSO) is a cloud-based platform that enables organizations to protect access to applications and data. Duo’s SSO solution is based on the SAML 2.0 standard and integrates with popular identity providers, such as Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), PingFederate, and Okta. Duo also offers a free trial of their SSO service.
Duo’s SSO solution offers several features that make it a good choice for businesses:
Single sign-on for web applications
Users can sign in to all of their web applications with one set of credentials (username and password).
Seamless integration with popular identity providers
Duo integrates with popular identity providers, such as AD FS, PingFederate, and Okta. This allows organizations to use their existing identity management infrastructure for authentication and authorization.
Multi-factor authentication
Duo’s SSO solution supports multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional information (usually a code from a mobile app) when they sign in.
Pricing: Duo’s SSO service starts at $3 per user per month. A free trial is also available.
#7 Auth0 Single Sign-On (SSO)
Auth0 Single Sign-On (SSO) is a cloud-based platform that enables organizations to protect access to applications and data. Auth0’s SSO solution is based on the SAML 2.0 standard and integrates with a variety of identity providers, such as Active Directory, Okta, and OneLogin. Auth0 provides both on-premise and cloud-based solutions, making it a good fit for organizations of all sizes.
Pricing: Auth0’s SSO solution is available in three pricing tiers: Starter ($13/month), Standard ($23/month), and Enterprise ($40/month). Discounts are available for annual plans.
Features:
- SAML 2.0 support
- Integration with popular identity providers
- On-premise and cloud-based solutions
- Three pricing tiers
#8 Centrify
Centrify is an enterprise software company that specializes in securing hybrid IT environments. Centrify’s Identity Services Platform helps users gain secure access to on-premise and cloud-based apps with a single set of credentials.
Centrify is one of the leading SSO providers and has received numerous awards for its products, including being named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Identity Governance and Administration.
Pricing: Plans start at $5/user/month (billed annually)
#9 miniOrange
miniOrange is an identity and access management company that offers a wide range of products, including Single Sign-On (SSO). miniOrange SSO lets you securely access all your applications with one set of credentials, eliminating the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords. With miniOrange SSO, you can achieve a centralized login experience for all your users, whether they are employees, customers, or partners.
miniOrange also offers a wide range of other products, including identity management, multi-factor authentication, and mobile device management.
Feature to Look For in Single Sign On (SSO) Software
Single sign-on (SSO) is a feature that allows users to sign in to all of their applications with one set of credentials.
This can be a significant time saver for users, as they no longer have to remember multiple sets of username and password.
When evaluating SSO solutions, there are a few key features to look for:
Integration with popular identity providers
Most SSO solutions will integrate with popular identity providers, such as Active Directory, Okta, and OneLogin.
This allows organizations to use their existing identity management infrastructure for authentication and authorization.
Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional information (usually a code from a mobile app) when they sign in.
This makes it more difficult for attackers to brute force their way into an account.
Pricing
SSO solutions typically have a per-user pricing model, with discounts available for annual plans. Some vendors also offer free trials, which can be helpful for organizations that want to test out the SSO solution before making a commitment.
What Are the Benefits of Single Sign On (SSO) Software?
There are a number of benefits of using SSO software, including:
Improved security
By eliminating the need for users to remember multiple sets of credentials, SSO reduces the risk of credential stuffing attacks.
In addition, most SSO solutions offer integration with multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security.
Increased productivity
Users can save time by signing in to all their applications with one set of credentials.
This can be a significant time saver for users who have to access multiple applications on a daily basis.
Improved user experience
A centralized login experience can improve the overall user experience, as users no longer have to search for and remember multiple usernames and passwords.
What is single sign-on (SSO) | How SSO works with SAML | SAML authentication with AD
What Are the Drawbacks of Single Sign On (SSO) Software?
There are a few potential drawbacks of using SSO software, including:
Increased reliance on identity providers
By using SSO, organizations are relying on their identity provider for authentication and authorization. This can be a single point of failure, so it’s important to have a backup plan in place if the identity provider goes down.
Potential for lock-out
If an organization uses Active Directory for authentication and authorization, then a user could be locked out of their account if they enter the wrong password too many times.
This could cause disruptions for users and limit their productivity.
How Do I Choose Single Sign On (SSO) Software?
When choosing SSO software, there are a few factors to consider:
Integration with existing identity management infrastructure
If an organization already has an identity management solution in place, then it’s important to choose an SSO solution that integrates with that infrastructure. This will make it easier to deploy and manage the SSO solution.
Multi-factor authentication support
Most SSO solutions offer integration with multi-factor authentication solutions. This is a valuable feature, as it adds an extra layer of security to the login process.
Pricing model
SSO solutions typically have a per-user pricing model. This can be expensive for large organizations with many users. It’s important to consider the total cost of ownership when choosing an SSO solution.
Free trials
Some SSO vendors offer free trials, which can be helpful for organizations that want to test out the solution before making a commitment.
What Type of Buyer Are You?
There are three main types of buyers for Single Sign On (SSO) software:
1. Organizations that want to improve security and increase productivity by reducing the need for users to remember multiple sets of credentials.
2. Organizations that want to improve the user experience by providing a centralized login experience.
3. Organizations that have an existing identity management infrastructure in place and want to choose an SSO solution that integrates with that infrastructure.
No matter what type of buyer you are, it’s important to consider the factors listed above when choosing an SSO solution. This will help you find the best solution for your organization’s needs.
FAQs – SSO Providers & Software
Is Auth0 A Good SSO?
Auth0 is one of the leading SSO providers and has received numerous awards for its products, including being named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Identity Governance and Administration.
What Is SAML SSO?
SAML SSO is an XML-based standard that allows organizations to securely exchange authentication and authorization data.
SAML is typically used in enterprise environments where users need to access multiple applications.
How Does Okta Work?
Okta is a cloud-based identity management service that provides Single Sign On (SSO) for organizations.
Okta integrates with existing identity management systems, such as Active Directory, and provides a centralized login experience for users.
What Is Ping Identity?
Ping Identity is a leading provider of identity and access management solutions.
Ping Identity’s products include Single Sign On (SSO), multi-factor authentication, and identity governance.
What Is OneLogin?
OneLogin is a cloud-based identity and access management service that provides Single Sign On (SSO) for organizations.
OneLogin integrates with existing identity management systems, such as Active Directory, and provides a centralized login experience for users.
Is Microsoft Azure AD Free?
Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AD) is a free cloud-based identity and access management service that provides Single Sign On (SSO) for organizations.
Azure AD integrates with existing on-premises identity management systems, such as Active Directory, and provides a centralized login experience for users.
How Much Does Okta Cost?
Okta has a per-user pricing model, which starts at $2 per user per month.
Okta also offers a free trial for organizations that want to test out the product before making a commitment.
What is an SSO Provider?
An SSO provider is a company that offers Single Sign On (SSO) solutions.
SSO providers offer a variety of products, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions. SSO providers typically have a per-user pricing model.
What is an Identity Provider?
An identity provider is a company that offers identity management solutions.
Identity providers offer a variety of products, including Single Sign On (SSO), multi-factor authentication, and identity governance. Identity providers typically have a per-user pricing model.
What is the Difference Between an SSO Provider and an Identity Provider?
The main difference between an SSO provider and an identity provider is the types of products they offer.
SSO providers offer Single Sign On (SSO) solutions, while identity providers offer a variety of identity management products, including SSO, multi-factor authentication, and identity governance.
What is the Best SSO Provider?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best SSO provider for your organization will depend on your specific needs.
However, some of the leading SSO providers include Auth0, Okta, Ping Identity, and OneLogin.
When choosing an SSO solution for your organization, it’s important to consider your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a cloud-based solution that integrates with existing identity management systems, then Auth0 or Okta might be a good fit.
If you’re looking for an on-premises solution, then Ping Identity or OneLogin might be a better option.
Choosing an SSO Solution – Summary
When choosing an SSO solution for your organization, it’s important to consider a variety of factors, such as your budget, the number of users you have, and whether you need a cloud-based or on-premises solution.
However, some of the leading SSO providers include Auth0, Okta, Ping Identity, and OneLogin.
If you’re looking for a cloud-based solution that integrates with existing identity management systems, then Auth0 or Okta might be a good fit.
If you’re looking for an on-premises solution, then Ping Identity or OneLogin might be a better option.