Understanding SCIM and SAML in Under 5 Minutes

Imagine this: You’ve just signed on a new enterprise client. Their IT team asks if your platform supports SCIM and SAML. You pause, not because you’ve never heard of them, but because you're unsure how they differ or if you need both.If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These two protocols are often mentioned together, yet they solve entirely different problems in your identity stack.

Let’s break it down, simply and quickly.

What Is SAML?

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a single sign-on (SSO) protocol.
It allows users to log in once, usually through their identity provider (like Okta or Azure AD), and access multiple apps without re-entering credentials.

In short:
SAML = Authentication

Example:

When users sign into your SaaS app using their corporate credentials via Okta, that’s SAML in action.

What Is SCIM?

SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) is all about automated user provisioning. It allows identity providers to create, update, and delete user accounts in your application in real-time.

In short:
SCIM = Provisioning

Example:

When someone joins or leaves a company, SCIM ensures their user account is instantly created or removed from your app, without IT needing to do it manually.

How SCIM and SAML Work Together

They’re not competitors, they’re a perfect pairing.

• SAML gets users through the front door securely.
  
  
• SCIM makes sure the right people have a key to that door in the first place.
  
  Together, they ensure:

✅Seamless login experience
✅ Automatic access management
✅ Improved security and compliance
✅ Less manual work for IT teams

“SSO handles who you are, and SCIM handles what you can access. You need both for true identity management.”—Samuel Bismut, CTO, Corma.

‍Do You Need Both?

If you're building or running a B2B SaaS platform, the answer is almost always yes, especially if you're selling to enterprises.

• Only using SAML? Users can sign in, but you’re probably leaving orphaned accounts behind.
  
  
• Only using SCIM? Users may be created, but login will be clunky or insecure.
  
  When you support both, you enable secure, scalable identity management, a must-have for enterprise adoption.

Final Takeaway

SCIM and SAML aren’t optional checkboxes; they’re expected features in modern SaaS.
Understand the difference. Implement both. Win over enterprise IT teams.

Why is Corma Your Ultimate SCIM and SAML Solution

Managing user access doesn’t have to be complicated. Corma makes SCIM provisioning and SAML authentication effortless and secure, all from one platform.

Seamless SAML Single Sign-On:
Users log in once and gain instant, secure access to all authorised apps, reducing password fatigue and boosting security.

Automated SCIM Provisioning:
New starters get access immediately. Leavers lose it just as fast. No manual work, no delays, no risk.

Works With Every App:
Whether your apps support SCIM or not, Corma handles provisioning and deprovisioning smoothly.

Complete Control, Zero Hassle:
From onboarding to offboarding, Corma keeps your identity management airtight and audit-ready.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between SCIM and SAML?
SAML handles secure user authentication (single sign-on), while SCIM automates user provisioning and deprovisioning across applications.

2. Can SCIM and SAML work together in any organisation?

Yes, SCIM and SAML complement each other and can be implemented in organisations of all sizes to enhance security and streamline user access management.

3. Can Corma manage apps that don’t support SCIM?
Yes, Corma supports both SCIM and non-SCIM applications, ensuring seamless user access management across your entire app portfolio.

4. How does Corma improve security with SCIM and SAML?
By automating provisioning and using secure SAML authentication, Corma eliminates orphaned accounts and reduces password-related risks.

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