Workload Identities & App ManagementEnterprise Applications & SaaS Integration

Enterprise Applications & SaaS Integration

30 mins

Understanding the Concept

Enterprise applications in Microsoft Entra ID represent SaaS apps (Salesforce, ServiceNow), on-premises apps (via Application Proxy), and custom apps. The enterprise app gallery contains thousands of pre-integrated applications with SSO configuration.

Single Sign-On configuration for enterprise apps typically uses SAML or OIDC protocols. SAML-based SSO requires configuring identifier URIs, reply URLs, signing certificates, and attribute mappings. OIDC-based SSO is simpler with client ID and secret exchange.

User and group assignment controls who can access each application. Assignment can be required (only assigned users can access) or optional (all users can access). App roles define permission levels within the application.

Key Points

  • Gallery apps: Pre-integrated SSO config for thousands of SaaS apps
  • SAML SSO: Configure identifiers, reply URLs, certificates, claims mapping
  • OIDC SSO: Client ID/secret based, simpler configuration
  • User assignment: Control who can access each application
  • App roles: Define permission levels (Admin, Reader, Contributor)

Enterprise App SSO Flow

Step 1

Add from Gallery

Search and add pre-integrated SaaS application

Step 2

Configure SSO

Set up SAML or OIDC with certificates and URLs

Step 3

Assign Users

Add users/groups and configure app roles

Step 4

Test SSO

Verify single sign-on works end-to-end

Step 5

Provisioning

Optional: Auto-provision users to the SaaS app

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

Enterprise apps are the primary reason users interact with Entra ID. Poor SSO configuration leads to passwords sprawl and security gaps. Proper integration centralizes access control, enables MFA enforcement, and provides audit logging for all application access.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not testing SSO thoroughly before rolling out to production users
Misconfiguring SAML claim mappings, causing authentication failures
Not enabling user assignment, allowing unintended access
Forgetting to configure provisioning for apps that support SCIM

Interview Tips

  • Explain SAML vs OIDC SSO and when to use each
  • Discuss the app integration process from gallery to production
  • Mention SCIM-based automatic provisioning

Exam Tips (SC-300)

  • Know SAML SSO configuration components
  • Understand user assignment and app roles
  • Know automatic provisioning via SCIM

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