SAP Identity Authentication Service (IAS)

An Overview

Um unbefugten Zugriff auf SAP-Systeme zu verhindern, wird eine solide Identity- und Access-Management-Strategie benötigt. Diese muss Sicherheitsfunktionen wie Authentifizierung, Autorisierung und Bereitstellung in der Cloud-Umgebung bereitstellen. Durch die Zentralisierung von Anmeldeverfahren und die automatisierte Verwaltung von Zugriffsrechten wird gewährleistet, dass nur berechtigte Personen Zugriff auf entsprechende Ressourcen erhalten.

Der SAP IAS (Identity Authentication Service) ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil dieser Strategie. Die Single-Sign-On-Funktion ist insbesondere für Unternehmen relevant, die mehrere Cloud-Anwendungen nutzen, und ermöglicht, dass User sich nicht für jeden Dienst einzeln anmelden müssen. Dadurch wird nicht nur der Komfort erhöht, sondern auch das Risiko von Sicherheitslücken minimiert. Wie der SAP Identity Authentication Service Ihren Unternehmensalltag weiter optimieren kann, erfahren Sie in diesem Artikel.

What is SAP Identity Authentication Service (IAS)?

SAP IAS (Identity Authentication Service) is a cloud service introduced in 2014. It is part of SAP Cloud Identity Services, together with Identity Provisioning, Identity Directory, and Authorization Management, and plays a central role in Identity & Access Management. 

SAP IAS enables centralized authentication, identity federation, and Single Sign-On (SSO). The service provides functions for authentication, user management, and trust configuration, while authorization is primarily handled by the connected applications and, where applicable, SAP Cloud Identity Services – Authorization Management. A single logon to SAP cloud and on-premise applications protects the organization’s infrastructure and simplifies access for users. 

SAP IAS supports a wide range of authentication methods, including username and password, one-time passwords, certificate-based authentication, and FIDO2-based biometric authentication. In addition, the SAP IAS architecture can be integrated with external identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID to enable SSO there as well and ensure access to SAP cloud applications. 

The SSO service is based on the SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect standards and is accessible across devices. It offers flexible authentication options for employees, customers, and partners in both B2B and B2C contexts. 

Positioning within the SAP Cloud Portfolio

Although SAP IAS is a standalone service, it works closely with the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and is an established component of many SAP cloud solutions, including SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and SAP SuccessFactors. 

Many SAP cloud solutions include SAP Cloud Identity Services as part of their bundle and may provide a pre-configured IAS tenant or trust setup, enabling fast and straightforward connection to SAP IAS. This makes the service a central integration point for SAP cloud applications within an organization. In the broader context of the SAP cloud portfolio, SAP IAS reduces the complexity and administrative overhead involved in onboarding new applications. 

SAP IAS Functions

SAP IAS offers a wide range of functions that enable secure and flexible authentication and simplify service integration:

Secure Authentication

  • Centralized authentication, identity federation, and authentication policies
  • Two-factor authentication with one-time passwords
  • Risk-based authentication based on criteria such as application, user groups, IP ranges, and domains
  • SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect ID federation

Flexible Authentication

  • Flexible authentication options and password policies
  • Single Sign-On functionality
  • Social Sign-On through integration with social networks
  • Authentication for cloud and on-premise applications, non-SAP, and third-party software

Integration

  • Integration with external identity providers (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID) and local user stores
  • Delegated authentication to local user stores and existing identity providers

User Management and Self-Service

  • Support for the identity lifecycle managed via IDM solutions
  • Self-service functions such as password reset and user registration
  • Identity Directory SCIM API v2 for automating user and group management
  • Consistent user experience through standardized authentication options

Customization and Control

  • Customizable look-and-feel for individual branding
  • Configuration of custom privacy policies and terms of use

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Reporting and usage monitoring capabilities

Benefits of SAP IAS

SAP IAS creates a security framework for SAP environments with a broad range of functions.

The key benefits of the service include:
 

  • Enhanced security through two-factor authentication and risk-based authentication 
  • Centralized authentication and consistent identity federation across applications 
  • Reduced complexity and improved user experience through Single Sign-On 
  • Flexible integration with various identity providers and applications 
  • Compatibility with a wide range of SAP and non-SAP applications 

SAP IAS vs. Identity Provisioning Service (IPS)

Both SAP IAS and SAP IPS are components of SAP Cloud Identity Services and essential building blocks for Identity & Access Management. They work alongside Identity Directory and Authorization Management and can be used in a complementary way.

The table below provides an overview of the key differences:
 

SAP IAS (Identity Authentication Service) SAP IPS (Identity Provisioning Service)
Area of Responsibility Authentication, SSO, and identity federation Identity lifecycle and provisioning
Core Function Enables secure authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO) for cloud and on-premise applications Manages identity lifecycle and provisioning processes across SAP and non-SAP systems
Key Features
  • SSO session management
  • Delegated authentication
  • Risk-based authentication
  • Identity federation
  • Trust management
  • Automated user and group provisioning
  • Synchronization and transformation of identity data between systems
  • Job logs and notifications
Integration Options With local and cloud applications, and external identity providers With various source and target systems such as SAP SuccessFactors, Microsoft Entra ID, etc.
Standards Common standards such as SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect SCIM and connector-specific APIs/protocols

Integrate SAP IAS with Xiting

The Xiting QuickStart Implementation Service supports the rollout of SAP Cloud Identity Services IAS and IPS for organizations that are already using SAP IAS and IPS but have not yet deployed an Identity Management (IDM) system. 

The service includes setting up identity federation between SAP IAS and your existing identity provider, as well as developing a tailored group concept for user identity distribution. 

In this way, the QuickStart Implementation Service enables a seamless integration of cloud services and contributes to long-term improvements in both security and user experience. 

For organizations needing broader BTP Security and Cloud Identity Services support, Xiting’s IAM consulting practice covers the full lifecycle – from initial architecture through to ongoing operations. 

FAQ

Which Applications Can Be Used with SAP IAS?

The SAP IAS architecture can be integrated with a wide range of applications. Several SAP cloud solutions – such as S/4HANA Public Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP Integrated Business Planning – are already pre-configured and use SAP IAS for authentication by default. 

You can also connect other SAML 2.0-compatible web applications such as SAP HANA, SAP BusinessObjects, or SAP Fiori – both in the cloud and on-premise. 

SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a cloud platform that supports organizations in developing, integrating, and running cloud applications. It brings together functions for automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in a unified environment. Through APIs, users can access not only SAP applications but also third-party services. SAP BTP thereby enables the integration of data from diverse sources. 

Yes. SAP Cloud Identity Services, including Identity Authentication, are services of SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP). IAS provides centralized authentication, Single Sign-On, and identity federation. SAP Cloud Identity Services are commercially included with many SAP cloud solutions and SAP BTP scenarios; usage for third-party applications may be subject to additional charges. 

Stay up to date.

Sign up for the newsletter to receive more information.

Folgen Sie @Xiting und @xiting.global auf den Sozialen Medien.

Nehmen Sie jetzt Kontakt auf!

Melden Sie sich jetzt an!

Get in touch now!