The first login request hits your system. It isn’t just a user—it's a trust handshake across domains. This is where the identity federation onboarding process begins.
Identity federation links authentication between separate systems. It allows users to log in once, then access resources in multiple applications without extra credentials. The onboarding process ensures everything is secure, fast, and compliant from the first connection.
The core steps are straightforward but require precision. First, define the federation protocol—SAML, OpenID Connect, or WS-Federation. Protocol choice affects token format, encryption standards, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Next, configure metadata exchange between the identity provider (IdP) and the service provider (SP). This metadata defines endpoints, certificates, and supported attributes.
User attribute mapping is critical. Federated authentication depends on accurate claims: user ID, email, role. A mismatch here can break access control or leak permissions. Review mappings against your internal authorization logic before going live.