---
title: Single Sign-On (SSO)
date: 2025-11-18T08:43:46Z
modified: 2025-11-18T08:59:34Z
permalink: "https://easy-software.com/en/glossary/single-sign-on-sso/"
type: glossar
status: publish
excerpt: Multiple applications, one login – sounds convenient? That’s exactly what Single Sign-On enables as a one-time authentication method.
wpid: 222172
timestamp: 2025-11-18T08:59:34Z
tags: []
---

The technology ensures that users don’t have to log in repeatedly. Instead, a single login grants access to multiple connected systems.

## What is Single Sign-On?

Single Sign-On (SSO**)** is an **authentication method** that allows users to access **multiple** **digital** **services** with just **one** **login**. Instead of signing in separately to each application, a single authentication is enough to access all connected systems.

SSO is especially relevant in complex IT environments – for example, in organizations with numerous tools, platforms, and user accounts. It improves the user experience and reduces the administrative burden of managing passwords



## How does the Single Sign-On process work?

SSO is based on a central identity service, known as an **Identity Provider (IdP)**. This provider handles the authentication and, upon successful login, issues a **token** – essentially a digital ID. This token is then passed to the connected services, which use it to grant access.

Standardized protocols are used in this process:

- **SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)**: Common in traditional enterprise environments.
- **OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect (OIDC)**: Widely used in web and cloud applications.

These standards ensure secure, traceable, and interoperable communication between the identity provider and the connected services.

## Benefits of Single Sign-On

SSO offers a range of benefits for both users and IT teams:

- **Time savings**: One login grants access to many applications.
- **Fewer password issues**: The number of credentials is significantly reduced.
- **Centralized user management**: Roles and permissions can be managed efficiently.
- **Reduced attack surface**: Fewer password entries mean fewer vulnerabilities.
- **Improved user experience**: Especially valuable in hybrid work environments.

SSO is a key component of modern security and efficiency strategies.

## Passkeys – a modern alternative to SSO?

While Single Sign-On simplifies access to multiple applications with one login, **Passkeys** take it a step further: they enable **passwordless authentication** that is secure, fast, and user-friendly.

Passkeys are based on **asymmetric cryptography**. Instead of a password, the user relies on a digital key pair: the private key remains securely stored on the device, while the public key is registered with the service. Authentication typically happens via biometric methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition.

**The result:**

- **No more password phishing**
- **No password management required**
- **High security with a seamless user experience**

Curious? Then take a look at our glossary entry on [Passkeys](https://easy-software.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/glossar/passkeys.md).



## Single Sign-On & Common Use Cases

SSO is widely used across various sectors:

- **Enterprises**: Unified access to email, intranet, CRM, HR tools, and more.
- **Cloud services**: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce.
- **Education**: Central portals for learning platforms, exams, and administration.
- **Healthcare**: Access to patient records, documentation systems, and scheduling tools.

SSO is also common in the consumer space – for example, when logging into third-party apps using Google, Apple, or Facebook credentials.

## Real-world example: SSO with OIDC in specialized applications

[Document management systems](https://easy-software.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/documentmanagement-system.md) (DMS) also rely on Single Sign-On – often via the open authentication protocol **OpenID Connect (OIDC)**. This allows users to authenticate once and then access various specialized applications without repeated logins.

This is also the case with **[easy DMS](https://easy-software.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/easy-dms.md)** and its related solutions such as **easy invoice**, **easy contract**, and **easy hr**. Integrating SSO via OIDC ensures a seamless user experience and reduces the administrative effort involved in managing access – especially in environments with complex role and permission structures.



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