What is Single Sign On (SSO) Software?

Introduction

Single sign on (SSO) software is an authentication solution that enables you to sign into multiple databases or applications using a single credential set. SSO tools help to simplify identification procedures and provide easy access to servers, portals, and applications. With this platform, you can access multiple data sets or applications without needing multiple logins.

SSO products not only help you easily navigate across apps, but also reduce the workload of IT developers and administrators by centralizing access management. They include features like mobile app for remote access, directory integration, application clouds, and dashboards for effortless navigation. SSO programs are related to user provisioning/governance, password managers, and cloud identity and access management tools, but SSO platforms focus chiefly on providing secure access to databases, applications, and servers and not on the management of passwords or data.

In short, SSO software allows you to access multiple databases or apps via a single portal, automates authentication to thwart multiple logins, offers secure access to data and apps, and integrates login access to applications.

Features of Single Sign On (SSO) Software

Analytics and Reports

SSO platforms provide data and insights on metrics like active accounts, active sessions, active users etc. They generate reports that present vital info on these metrics. The reports inform you which users are utilizing which apps, their sign-in pattern, etc which can help to identify abnormal patterns and thereby prevent unauthorized access to apps that host confidential data. Analytics tools offer predictive insights that assist you to stay ahead rather than play catchup. Therefore, invest in a SSO solution that provides insightful, intuitive, and extensive analytical and reporting capabilities.

Self-Service

Do-it-yourself (DIY) is the trend in enterprise IT software. Today, you don’t have to hire implementation partners or professional consultants who bill by the hour. Simply, go to the software product website, sign up, make online payment, and get started. Self-service tools enable you to set up and operate the software using intuitive and simple steps. To facilitate this, the vendor should offer good documentation and self-help assistance.

Mobile Support

Mobility has become the buzzword in business circles. Today, we use a number of wearables and gadgets, and take our work beyond the boundaries of the desktop and office campus. Mobile devices have becoming very important and users access work applications through them. BYOD is becoming popular and to facilitate this, it is essential to present access to users of mobile devices via SSO software.

Support for Multiple Apps

The main benefit of SSO products is they provide users instant access to multiple apps in a single click. This makes it essential for the vendor to have native support for multiple apps, otherwise SSO access to these applications will become difficult. Therefore, select a vendor that offers support for your existing apps as well as those you wish to utilize in the future.

Cloud-based SSO Software

Cloud computing is another trending mantra in the business world. Most enterprise applications from ERP, CRM, and Sharepoint to timesheet tracking have become cloud-based. Thus, the cloud has become the present of IT software and its future as well. This makes it imperative to subscribe to a cloud SSO solution which will relieve you of the task of ensuring availability and manageability. Go for a vendor that offers cloud support to provide convenient and effortless login and access facilities to your users.

Benefits of Single Sign on Software

Supports Compliance

By developing a centralized database, SSO facilitates efficient access reporting, promotes safe file sharing, and supports compliance.

Streamlines Workflow

Users can utilize a single set of login details to access multiple software systems. Thus, the SSO solution centralizes and organizes access to your applications, and also validates the ID of all staff members.

Minimizes Risk

Password fatigue is a big threat to software security. With SSO, users need to remember only one password, so they can make it a robust one that is easy to recall and keep secret. In addition, data protection is bolstered because passwords aren’t managed or stored externally.

Saves Time

On average, a user accesses about 20 apps per day and this number is growing. It will be a big headache to use different passwords and re-enter them across multiple applications. SSO saves a lot of time as you are required to login just once.

Saves Money

About 50% of all IT helpdesk issues are password resets. With SSO, there is only one password to recall, which helps to significantly lower IT helpdesk expenses.