Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ASP.NET SAML VS OpenID

Compare ASP.NET SAML VS OpenID and see what are their differences

ASP.NET SAML logo ASP.NET SAML

ASP.NET SAML is an open-source authentication utility that has been used for exchanging authentication and authorization data between the channels.

OpenID logo OpenID

OpenID is a safe, faster and easier way to log in to web sites.
  • ASP.NET SAML Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-04
  • OpenID Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-20

ASP.NET SAML features and specs

  • Interoperability
    ASP.NET SAML allows for seamless integration across different platforms and identity providers, which is crucial for applications that need to communicate with diverse systems.
  • Enhanced Security
    SAML provides secure mechanisms for exchanging authentication and authorization data, reducing the risk of password theft since no passwords are transmitted.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO)
    SAML enables Single Sign-On capabilities, allowing users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications, enhancing the user experience.
  • Standard Protocol
    SAML is a widely-adopted industry standard, ensuring consistent implementation and support across various platforms.
  • Decoupled Authentication
    By separating authentication from application logic, developers can focus on building features without worrying about the complexities of user authentication processes.

Possible disadvantages of ASP.NET SAML

  • Complexity
    Implementing SAML can be complex and challenging, especially for developers who are new to the protocol or have limited experience with identity management systems.
  • Performance Overhead
    The added security and protocol layers can result in increased latency or resource usage compared to simpler authentication methods.
  • Initial Setup Time
    The setup and configuration of SAML can be time-consuming, requiring detailed attention to ensure all components work correctly together.
  • Limited Debugging Tools
    There are fewer tools available specifically for debugging SAML implementations, which can make troubleshooting more difficult.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    While SAML aims for interoperability, mismatches between different implementations or versions can sometimes lead to compatibility problems that require extra effort to resolve.

OpenID features and specs

  • Single Sign-On
    OpenID allows users to log into multiple websites using a single set of credentials, simplifying the login process and reducing password fatigue.
  • Decentralized Authentication
    OpenID operates in a decentralized manner, meaning users can choose their identity providers, giving them more control over their online identity.
  • Improved User Experience
    By reducing the number of times users need to enter login information, OpenID can streamline the user experience across different platforms.
  • Enhanced Privacy
    OpenID allows users to manage their identity, providing them with the option to share only necessary information with websites.
  • Increased Security through Reduced Password Usage
    With fewer passwords to remember and enter, users can focus on creating stronger passwords for their OpenID accounts, potentially increasing overall security.

Possible disadvantages of OpenID

  • Reliance on Identity Provider
    Users depend heavily on their chosen OpenID provider. If the provider experiences downtime or a security breach, user's ability to log in to various services can be impacted.
  • Complexity in Implementation
    Implementing OpenID can be complex and requires significant development resources, which might be a barrier for smaller websites or developers.
  • Potential Privacy Concerns
    Although OpenID enhances privacy, it also puts pressure on identity providers to manage and protect user data adequately. Any data mishandling can affect user privacy.
  • Fragmentation of Standards
    The existence of multiple identity standards and specifications can create confusion and compatibility issues, leading to a fragmented user experience.
  • Dependent on Internet Access
    Like many online authentication methods, OpenID requires constant internet access, which can be a limitation in regions with unstable internet connectivity.

ASP.NET SAML videos

ASP.NET SAML Single Sign On (SSO) using Azure AD as IDP | Azure AD Login

OpenID videos

An Introduction To OpenID Connect

More videos:

  • Review - OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (in plain English)
  • Review - What is Microsoft identity platform OpenID Connect certified? | One Dev Question: Hirsch Singhal

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ASP.NET SAML and OpenID)
Network & Admin
47 47%
53% 53
Identity And Access Management
Security & Privacy
44 44%
56% 56
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenID should be more popular than ASP.NET SAML. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ASP.NET SAML mentions (1)

OpenID mentions (3)

  • 4 Cognito User Pools features you might not know about
    Cognito User Pools is a fully managed, OpenID Connect-compatible identity provider. It serves as a user directory service that handles authentication and authorization for application users. - Source: dev.to / 21 days ago
  • Top 7 API Authentication Methods Compared
    OpenID Connect builds on OAuth 2.0 by adding an identity layer, making it a go-to choice for applications that need both authentication and authorization. Developed by the OpenID Foundation, it's widely used by major players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Bluesky partners with Namecheap to power domains as usernames
    Certainly _buying_ domain names to be your identity is new, but OpenID[1] was doing basically that 15 years ago. Add a few meta tags to your website homepage, use that homepage as your "identity" to log in to websites, and they'd up your configured identity provider to do the login & request name/email/whatever else. You weren't locked in to a particular provider, since you logged in as _your_ webpage and could... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ASP.NET SAML and OpenID, you can also consider the following products

ASP.NET Identity - ASP.NET Identity is a membership-based software system designed for the authentication and authorization of the users via building an ASP.NET application.

OAuth - OAuth is an open standard for authorization. It allows users to share their private resources (e.g.

Okta Workforce Identity - Okta Workforce Identity is utility software for enterprises that provides a new way of work that enable your employees, contractors, and partners to use technology on any device.

BugMeNot - BugMeNot is a free Internet service that provides usernames and passwords to allow users to bypass the registration process for websites.

DotNetOpenAuth - DotNetOpenAuth is a free-to-use compiled library that comes with the real support to your site visitor to login with the help of openIDs via getting control of the ASP.NET control onto the page.

humanID - humanID is a one-click anonymous SSO that provides users with an anonymous identity layer.