SAML vs. LDAP: How to Choose The Right Protocol

This article provides an overview of the differences between two widely adopted protocols, SAML and LDAP, and offers guidance on which one to choose based on specific use cases. SAML focuses purely on authentication information while LDAP covers both authentication and wider directory resource information. Use SAML for cloud-based access control with Single Sign On (SSO), and LDAP for on-premise software deployment requiring straightforward authentication or access to local network resources. Both protocols can be used together if you want cloud-based authentication via SAML but need to access user directory information specifically stored on an LDAP instance. The article also delves into the specifics of each protocol, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can be used in conjunction with one another.