Federated identity for enterprise SaaS: SAML, OIDC, and SCIM

Federated identity for enterprise SaaS facilitates user authentication by allowing employees to sign in through their own identity providers (IdPs) using protocols like SAML or OIDC and synchronizes accounts with SCIM. This system is supported by developer-focused CIAM platforms such as Clerk, Auth0 (Okta Customer Identity Cloud), WorkOS, Stytch, Descope, and Frontegg, which provide the necessary embeddable tools for service providers (SPs) to integrate and accept enterprise IdPs. The guide emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the roles of SPs and IdPs, offering a comprehensive overview of the protocols, provider options, and implementation guidance. It underscores the necessity of these protocols for B2B SaaS selling to enterprises, where automated provisioning and deprovisioning are often critical requirements. The platforms differ in features such as admin portal availability, SCIM provisioning scope, session deprovisioning immediacy, audit logging capabilities, and pricing models, which are important considerations for selecting the right provider based on specific business needs. As the landscape evolves, there is growing attention on emerging requirements like AI agent authentication, highlighting the dynamic nature of identity management in enterprise SaaS.