The Enterprise SSO Tax Is Real. Here's How to Stop Overpaying It

B2B SaaS companies often face challenges when enterprise clients require SAML-based single sign-on (SSO) and automated user provisioning, as these are critical security features for large organizations. While SAML is crucial for redirecting users via identity providers like Okta or Google Workspace, the real security value lies in SCIM, which enables automatic user deprovisioning when employees leave the company. Many companies mistakenly focus solely on SAML, leading to failed security reviews, whereas SCIM's real-time deprovisioning capabilities are what enterprises prioritize. Companies must decide whether to build or buy SSO systems, considering both the engineering complexity and the financial implications. The article suggests that while buying protocol layers is often cost-effective due to the ongoing maintenance of intricate details like CVEs, building in-house requires rigorous attention to details like session revocation and break-glass access. It also advises against making basic SSO a premium feature, as it is increasingly seen as a necessary security measure rather than a luxury. For those looking to navigate these complexities, communities such as Start with Identity offer valuable insights and support.

Use this post, company, and trend context to find content marketing opportunities, perform competitive analysis, or address product feature gaps via the Plushcap MCP server or the Plushcap API.