What is the role of "Service Providers" in Single Sign-On (SSO)?

In the context of Single Sign-On (SSO), "Service Providers" play a crucial role by providing a central login point through an Identity Provider (IdP). This collaboration enables users to access multiple applications or services without the need to log in separately to each one.

When an application acts as a Service Provider, it relies on the Identity Provider to authenticate users and validate their credentials. Once the user is authenticated by the IdP, the Service Provider can then grant access based on the SSO token received. This streamlines the user experience and enhances security by centralizing authentication processes, reducing the likelihood of password fatigue and enhancing overall security management.

Service Providers do not typically authenticate users directly within the application; this responsibility lies with the Identity Provider. They also do not develop new user roles or manage application data access levels autonomously; these tasks are generally managed within the application itself or through separate administrative controls. Thus, the emphasis on the Service Provider's function in relationship to the Identity Provider highlights its importance in facilitating smooth, secure SSO functionality.