Access Management 7.2.2

Implement SSO and SLO

AM provides two options for implementing SSO and SLO with SAML v2.0:

Integrated mode

Integrated mode single sign-on and single logout uses a SAML2 authentication node or module on a service provider (SP), thereby integrating SAML v2.0 authentication into the AM authentication process. The authentication node or module handles the SAML v2.0 protocol details for you.

Note that integrated mode supports SP-initiated single sign-on only, because the authentication service that includes the SAML v2.0 node or module resides on the SP. You cannot trigger IDP-initiated single sign-on in an integrated mode implementation.

Integrated mode with chains supports both IDP-initiated and SP-initiated SLO.

Integrated mode with trees does not support SLO.

Standalone mode

Standalone mode requires that you invoke JSPs pages to initiate single sign-on and SLO. When implementing standalone mode, you do not require an AM authentication chain.

You can also configure web and Java agents to work alongside AM when performing SSO and SLO. See Web or Java agents SSO and SLO.

The following table provides information to help you decide whether to implement integrated mode or standalone mode for your AM SAML v2.0 deployment:

Integrated or Standalone Mode?
Deployment task or requirement Implementation mode

You want to deploy SAML v2.0 single sign-on and single logout using the easiest technique.

You want to integrate SAML v2.0 authentication into an authentication chain, letting you configure an added layer of login security by using additional authentication modules.

You want to trigger SAML v2.0 IDP-initiated SSO.

You want to use the SAML v2.0 Enhanced Client or Proxy (ECP) single sign-on profile.

Your IDP and SP instances are using the same domain name; for example, mydomain.net.(1)

(1) Due to the way integrated mode tracks authentication status by using a cookie, it cannot be used when both the IDP and SP share a domain name.