I'm building enterprise login for a B2B product. Which SSO approach is best?

For a B2B enterprise login, the best default SSO approach is OIDC first, with SAML 2.0 support as well.

Recommended strategy

• Primary protocol: OpenID Connect (OIDC)
  Best for modern apps, APIs, mobile, and cleaner implementation.
• Also support: SAML 2.0
  Still very common in large enterprises, especially older IdPs and legacy setups.
• If you can only pick one initially:
  • OIDC if you want the best developer experience and modern architecture.
  • SAML only if your target customers are mostly enterprise buyers with legacy identity providers and strict procurement expectations.

Why OIDC is usually best

• Simpler than SAML
• Better fit for web + mobile + SPA + API ecosystems
• Easier token handling and session management
• Strong support across modern IdPs like Okta, Azure AD / Entra ID, Google Workspace, Ping, Auth0, etc.

Why SAML still matters

• Many enterprises already have SAML configured everywhere
• Procurement teams often expect “SAML support” as a checkbox
• Some older identity platforms and internal IdPs are more SAML-centric

Practical recommendation for a B2B product

Build your auth system like this:

1. Local username/password login only if you need it for non-SSO customers
2. OIDC SSO
3. SAML SSO
4. Add:
   • SCIM for user provisioning/deprovisioning
   • Just-in-time provisioning
   • Domain-based IdP discovery
   • Organization-level policy controls (enforce SSO, restrict login methods)

If you’re choosing an implementation path

• Use a mature identity layer instead of building everything yourself if possible.
• Good options include:
  • Auth0
  • Okta Customer Identity
  • WorkOS (popular for B2B enterprise SSO + SCIM)
  • FusionAuth
  • Azure AD B2C for some Microsoft-heavy use cases

Bottom line

If you’re building enterprise login for a B2B product:

• Best overall: OIDC + SAML support
• Best first choice: OIDC
• Must-have for enterprise readiness: SCIM + org-based SSO enforcement

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a decision matrix comparing OIDC vs SAML, or
2. a recommended enterprise auth architecture for your stack.