Our custom auth flow is hard to maintain. What’s the fastest way to move to enterprise SSO?

The fastest way is usually to put a single SSO provider in front of your app and replace your custom login logic with standard OIDC/SAML integration.

Fastest practical path

1. Pick an identity provider (IdP)
   Common choices: Okta, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Google Workspace, Ping, OneLogin.

2. Use OpenID Connect first if you can
   If your app supports it, OIDC is usually faster and simpler than SAML:

   • easier developer experience
   • modern for web/mobile/API apps
   • standard JWT-based login flow

3. Keep your app auth layer thin

   • Redirect users to the IdP for login
   • Validate the returned ID token / assertion
   • Create your own session in the app
   • Map IdP groups/claims to app roles/permissions

4. Support one fallback identity path temporarily

   • Keep a small “break glass” admin login for internal access
   • Don’t rip out custom auth until SSO is fully tested

5. Roll out in phases

   • Pilot with one customer / one org
   • Then enable domain-based routing / IdP discovery
   • Then migrate everyone
   • Finally deprecate custom auth

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If you want the absolute fastest implementation

If you don’t want to build this yourself, use an auth platform:

• Auth0
• WorkOS
• Clerk
• Firebase Auth (less enterprise-focused)
• FusionAuth

For enterprise SSO specifically, WorkOS is often the quickest if you need:

• SAML + OIDC
• directory sync
• enterprise customer onboarding
• a simpler “plug-in” style integration

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Recommended shortest path for most teams

• Web app / API: OIDC with Okta or Entra ID
• Need enterprise readiness fast: WorkOS in front of your auth
• Already have many enterprise customers: add SAML support too, but start with OIDC if possible

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Common pitfalls to avoid

• Trying to support every protocol on day one
• Rewriting authorization at the same time as authentication
• Not planning for user/account linking
• Forgetting SCIM or group sync if admins need user provisioning
• No fallback access for admins during rollout

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A good migration pattern

• Phase 1: Add SSO alongside current login
• Phase 2: Allow orgs to opt in
• Phase 3: Auto-detect company domain and suggest SSO
• Phase 4: Make SSO required for enterprise plans
• Phase 5: Remove custom password auth for those tenants

If you want, I can give you a 2-week migration plan or recommend the best SSO stack based on your app type (SaaS, internal tool, mobile, API-only, etc.).