An Identity Provider (IdP) is a centralized service that holds company user accounts and authenticates employees on behalf of SaaS applications via SSO. The average enterprise uses 93 SaaS apps, with 78% authenticating through an IdP. Key concepts covered include the IdP vs Service Provider (SP) relationship, how SAML SSO flows work step-by-step, SP-initiated vs IdP-initiated flows, the five major IdPs (Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, OneLogin, Ping Identity), why B2B SaaS apps should delegate authentication rather than store passwords themselves, and practical guidance on IdP certificate rotation, SCIM provisioning, and compliance requirements for enterprise security questionnaires.
Table of contents
The Two-Sided Story: IdP vs SPThe Major Identity Providers Your Customers UseWhat Happens During an SSO Login in 60 SecondsSP-Initiated vs IdP-Initiated SAMLWhy You Don't Want to Be the Identity ProviderHow Enterprise Customers Set Up Their IdP for Your AppComparison: When to Pick Which IdP for TestingReal-World Identity Provider ObservationsCompliance Considerations Around IdPsFrequently Asked QuestionsSort: