SSOID and Identity Federation: Understanding the Basics
Single Sign-On (SSO) and Identity Federation are two concepts that are closely related and often used interchangeably. However, they are distinct concepts that serve different purposes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at SSOID and Identity Federation, what they are, and how they differ.
What is SSOID?
Single Sign-On (SSO) is a mechanism that allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials. In other words, users only have to log in once, and they are granted access to all the applications that they are authorized to use. This saves users time and eliminates the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords.
SSOID is simply an abbreviation for Single Sign-On ID. It is a unique identifier that is used to represent a user in an SSO system. When a user logs in to the SSO system, the system generates an SSOID that is associated with the user’s account. This SSOID is then used to authenticate the user when accessing other applications that are part of the SSO system.
What is Identity Federation?
Identity Federation is a concept that allows organizations to share user identity information across different systems and domains. It enables users to access resources from multiple domains and applications using a single set of credentials.
Identity Federation involves a trust relationship between different organizations that agree to share identity information. The trust relationship allows users to authenticate with their home organization and then access resources from other organizations without having to authenticate again.
In Identity Federation, users have a single identity that is shared across different systems and domains. This identity is known as a federated identity. The federated identity includes information such as the user’s name, email address, and other attributes that are relevant to the applications and systems being accessed.
How do SSOID and Identity Federation differ?
SSOID and Identity Federation are related concepts that are often used together. However, they serve different purposes. SSOID is focused on providing users with a single set of credentials to access multiple applications within a single organization. Identity Federation, on the other hand, is focused on providing users with a single identity that can be used to access resources across different organizations and domains.
In other words, SSOID is a mechanism that simplifies user authentication within an organization, while Identity Federation is a mechanism that simplifies user authentication across different organizations.
Conclusion
SSOID and Identity Federation are two related but distinct concepts that play an important role in modern identity and access management. SSOID simplifies user authentication within an organization, while Identity Federation simplifies user authentication across different organizations and domains. Both mechanisms enable users to access resources with a single set of credentials, saving time and eliminating the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords.