Single Sign-On (SSO) and Federated Identity Management (FIM) both aim to streamline user authentication, but they differ in scope and application.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
SSO enables users to access multiple applications within a single organization by logging in once. After authentication, users can navigate across various internal systems without re-entering credentials. This approach enhances user convenience and reduces password fatigue.
Federated Identity Management (FIM)
FIM extends the concept of SSO across multiple organizations. It allows users from one organization to access resources in another without separate logins, based on trust agreements between the entities. For instance, an employee can use their company's credentials to access a partner organization's applications.
Key Differences
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Scope: SSO operates within a single organization's domain, while FIM functions across multiple organizations.
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Trust Relationships: FIM requires established trust between different organizations to accept each other's authentication processes.
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Implementation Complexity: FIM often involves more complex infrastructure and coordination compared to SSO.
When to Use Each?
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SSO: Ideal for organizations looking to simplify user access to internal applications, enhancing productivity and security.
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FIM: Suitable for scenarios involving collaboration between different organizations, where users need seamless access to external resources.
Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the appropriate authentication strategy based on organizational needs and collaboration requirements.
