Single Sign-On (SSO) improves security and user experience simultaneously. With Microsoft Entra ID, you can integrate all your applications into a unified sign-on.

Benefits of SSO

For Users

• One sign-on – Access to all apps
• No password fatigue – Fewer passwords
• Higher productivity – No constant logins

For IT

• Central control – One place for permissions
• Better security – Strong authentication everywhere
• Simplified deprovisioning – Disable account = locked everywhere

For Security

• Consistent policies – MFA, Conditional Access
• Better visibility – All logins logged
• Reduced attack surface – Fewer credentials

SSO Protocols

SAML 2.0

Security Assertion Markup Language:

• Established enterprise standard
• Wide support
• Assertion-based

OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect

Modern protocols:

• For web and mobile
• Token-based
• Wide API support

Header-based SSO

For legacy applications:

• Via Application Proxy
• Kerberos Constrained Delegation

Integration with Entra ID

Enterprise Applications

Thousands of pre-configured apps:

• Salesforce, ServiceNow, Workday
• SAP, Oracle, Adobe
• And many more

Custom Applications

Integrate your own applications:

• SAML configuration
• OAuth/OIDC registration
• Set up provisioning

On-Premise Applications

Via Application Proxy:

• No incoming ports
• SSO for internal apps
• Conditional Access integration

Provisioning

Automatic user management:

• SCIM 2.0 – Standard protocol
• Pre-built connectors – For popular apps
• Custom provisioning – Via API or CSV

Lifecycle

• Create users on joiner
• Synchronize attributes
• Deprovision on leaver

Best Practices

Planning

1. 1Inventory all apps
2. 2Review protocols
3. 3Set order of implementation

Rollout

1. 1Start with simple apps
2. 2Test provisioning
3. 3Train users

Operations

1. 1Set up monitoring
2. 2Regular reviews
3. 3Continuous expansion

Conclusion

SSO is a quick win for security and productivity. Microsoft Entra ID makes integration easy. CNEXT supports planning and implementation.