What is SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)?

Security Assertion Markup Language is an open standard that makes possible the exchange of authentication and authorization data between parties (such as between service and identity providers).

The most significant SAML use case is single sign on (SSO), which promotes interoperability by allowing network users to log in once, with the credentials being reused to access other applications and services. SAML employs Extensible Markup Language (XML).

Advantages of SAML/SSO include time savings and employee efficiency (as there’s no longer a need to remember and enter multiple credentials, each of which may need to be renewed along different timelines) and the ability to make broader and better use of stronger passwords (because it’s far simpler to manage one password than 10).