Universal login expands cloud accessibility

For the average computer user, typing in usernames and passwords is a familiar - and sometimes frustrating - activity. For companies that require employees to use multiple applications, the repeated activity of entering this information can be time consuming, particularly in light of forgetfulness and error.

In light of this common problem, internet security firm Ping Identity recently announced that it has integrated with Salesforce.com to upgrade its internet single sign-on products to create a universal login. This capability will link different SaaS and online application environments by locating user access and authentication management in the cloud.

"Working in close partnership with Salesforce.com, Ping Identity has developed the first internet identity solution that enables any Salesforce.com application to act as an identity provider to cloud or on-premise applications," says Ping Identity director of global strategic alliances Chris Ceppi. "Users who have an authenticated session in a Salesforce CRM portal or Force.com application can now use that session to gain seamless access to any number of other cloud-based applications."

Passwords being so tied into security concerns, some organizations may express reservations about the new capability. However, as ChannelWeb points out, private clouds cost companies more in overall resources, including security, while public cloud companies can invest more into these concerns.

Related Articles

• 2010-01-04 Targeted enterprise SaaS solutions coming in 2010

  The coming year will be an important time for targeted SaaS solutions built on large, ready-made platforms, according to a recent piece.

• 2009-12-03 INTRUST Bank switches to SaaS solution

  Midwestern financial services provider INTRUST Bank announced that it will use Ultimate Software's UltiPro SaaS solution to manage enterprise computing functions.

• 2009-11-19 MindTouch releases SaaS enterprise collaboration platform

  Open source enterprise collaboration developer MindTouch launched a SaaS version of its platform Thursday designed to help non-programmer business users combine data from various enterprise systems into reports, graphs, charts and tables.

• 2009-11-16 Informatica announces cloud computing data integration service

  Data integration developer Informatica announced Monday a new cloud computing service slated for release in December 2009 designed to improve collaboration between business and information technology teams, facilitate data integration and improve data quality.

• 2009-11-11 Compuware expands SaaS portfolio with Gomez acquisition

  Information technology software developer Compuware completed its acquisition of website testing and management company Gomez this week, in a move Compuware said would enhance its position as a SaaS infrastructure management provider.