Single sign-on lets people use an identity provider to access supported apps. It is most useful when a team needs one managed sign-in path across multiple services and can support the required setup.
When SSO may fit
| Situation | SSO value to evaluate | Questions for the vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Several cloud apps | One managed sign-in path across supported services | Which protocols and identity providers are supported? |
| Staff turnover | A central place to disable sign-in | Does the app also support automated provisioning? |
| Security policies | A place to apply organization sign-in rules | Which plan includes SSO and what controls are available? |
| Small app set | May add setup work without much consolidation | Are individual accounts already easy to manage? |
Microsoft describes SSO as a way for users to authenticate once and access multiple applications. Each app still needs a compatible integration and correct configuration.
SSO buying checklist
- List the apps employees use and mark which ones support SSO.
- Check whether each app requires SAML, OpenID Connect or another method.
- Confirm which plan includes SSO and whether there are user minimums or setup fees.
- Decide who owns identity provider administration and recovery access.
- Ask whether provisioning and deprovisioning are included or sold separately.
SSO is a sign-in feature, not a full account-lifecycle system. Compare CRM and support tools and review the small-business password manager guide.
Related guides
- SAML vs OIDC: Which SSO Protocol Should You Use?
- What Is SCIM User Provisioning?
- SEO Tool vs Social Media Management Software
- Browse Security & IT.
Sources
Common questions
What does SSO change for employees?
They authenticate through an identity provider and can access supported applications according to the organization’s configuration.
Does SSO remove every password?
No. Apps that do not support the configured SSO method may still have separate credentials.
Does SSO automatically add user provisioning?
No. SSO handles sign-in; automated account creation and removal are separate features such as SCIM.