PLG vs. Enterprise Auth: Key Differences

As SaaS companies transition from product-led growth (PLG) models to targeting enterprise customers, significant changes in authentication and identity management are essential. PLG models focus on simplicity and easy access, allowing self-service onboarding with minimal authentication barriers such as social logins or email-based sign-ups. In contrast, enterprise customers demand advanced security protocols like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), as well as tailored authentication solutions that comply with strict security and compliance standards, such as GDPR and SOC 2. Enterprises also require granular role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions across various departments and teams, along with seamless integration with existing identity and access management (IAM) systems like Okta or Azure AD. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of authentication approaches to balance user-friendly onboarding with robust security measures, ensuring compliance and meeting high security expectations, including real-time threat detection and proactive alerts. Preparing for these challenges is crucial for a successful transition, providing enterprise clients with the security and trust they expect.