Workplace glossary

What is SAML?

Definition & practical guide1 min read

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is the XML-based standard behind most enterprise single sign-on. When you click a workplace app and land in it already authenticated, a SAML assertion from your identity provider, such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, did the work.

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For IT evaluating workplace software, SAML support (or its modern sibling OpenID Connect) is a gatekeeper requirement: it means corporate authentication policy, including MFA and conditional access, applies to the workplace app automatically.

Common questions

What does SAML mean in simple terms?

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is the XML-based standard behind most enterprise single sign-on. When you click a workplace app and land in it already authenticated, a SAML assertion from your identity provider, such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, did the work.

What are the rules around SAML?

For IT evaluating workplace software, SAML support (or its modern sibling OpenID Connect) is a gatekeeper requirement: it means corporate authentication policy, including MFA and conditional access, applies to the workplace app automatically.