Definition -What is SAP SSO(Single Sign-On)?
Single Sign-On facilitates a user to log in to authentic server relieving him from remembering so many users names and password to log in. For certain time duration (example a day) user is assigned with a ticket which can be used by him to access an application he wants to log into. Ticket assigned to the user is verified by SSO application and grant access to the user if server provides a positive response. The process and form of ticket depends upon accepted standards. Single Sign-On (SSO) can be connected to any application however it should be verified whether the application supports Single sign on. With a single point solution SSO only deals with permitting and providing access to system and application however for creating and managing user accounts, assigning responsibilities in the system we have to deal elsewhere.
What does SAP offer?
There are three scenarios which are offered by SAP to Single sign on solution
- 1) SSO for SAP Business Suites. SAP own software
- 2) SSO for SAP and non SAP legacy system.
- 3) SSO for cross company scenarios.
Benefits of SAP Single Sign-On (SSO)
- User does not have to remember names and password to access server. A single ticket with positive response can authorized user to access the server.
- The application is easy to use and also save cost by eliminating use of help desk.
- With an ease to connect to application it is simple.
- It offers security restricting access of people who are not authorized.
- Saving offered by Single Sign-On (SSO) can be verified in SAP calculator. By reducing the number of logins profit can be initiated.
- Encrypting network communication between the client and server it offers security of communication with the business application.
- For each application in the business environment it offers a standard way to authenticate, making the process easy to control and easy to implement.
- Generating more productivity and gaining more satisfied users with improved authentication.
- With simplicity it reduces efforts to protect, reset and manage password across many systems.
- You can access applications from mobile devices and outside the corporate network.
- Helps to reduce time taken by users to log into multiple applications.
- The application reduces the risk for data loss.
Limitations of SAP Single Sign-On (SSO)
- With a limitation SSO can only be used to access a server if it supports the application.
- Using SSO for a particular application force the company to share data to third party provider. There may be certain companies which do not consider it right to share data with third party or handling user data to another company.
- Using SSO a company can ensure covering a significant subset of users however that does not covers everyone laving additional authentication and implementation.
- With a single point failure if SSO provider goes down a user will be unable to authenticate creating problems and increasing time making users to wait for the SSO provider.