An authentication method that allows users to access multiple applications and services with one set of login credentials, typically managed through a central identity provider that authenticates the user once and grants access to all connected tools without requiring repeated logins.
Security & Compliance
In our reference library
Single Sign-On (SSO) eliminates the need for users to maintain separate usernames and passwords for each application their organization uses. When a user logs into their identity provider (Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace), the IdP generates a secure token that downstream applications accept as proof of authentication, allowing the user to access all connected services without additional login prompts. For organizations, SSO provides centralized user lifecycle management — when an employee leaves, revoking their access at the identity provider immediately blocks access to every connected application. SSO is typically implemented using SAML 2.0 for enterprise web applications or OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect for modern APIs and mobile apps. Most SaaS platforms reserve SSO for Business or Enterprise pricing tiers, making it a scaling consideration for growing teams that need to enforce consistent authentication policies.
Why Single Sign-On matters when choosing software
Single Sign-On can affect software selection differently depending on the workflow, team size, and category. Use the definition above as the starting point, then check how the concept appears in the products you are evaluating. In practical terms, look for the controls, limits, integrations, reporting, or operating assumptions that are directly related to Single Sign-On. A useful comparison should explain what the concept means, where it matters, and what evidence a buyer can verify before committing.
How to evaluate it in a real product
Start with the workflow that depends most on Single Sign-On. Identify the requirement, ask the vendor for the relevant documentation or configuration details, and test the requirement with realistic sample data where possible. Then compare the result against alternatives rather than treating a marketing label as proof. Related concepts in this category include Encryption, SaaS, API.
Concept Visualization
- 1A team member accessing Linear, GitHub, and Slack without re-entering credentials after authenticating through Okta in the morning
- 2An organization configuring SAML-based SSO in their identity provider so that terminated employee access is revoked across all SaaS tools simultaneously
- 3A SaaS vendor offering SSO integration on their Enterprise plan using the SAML 2.0 protocol with automatic user provisioning through SCIM