What does SAML stand for?

SAML stands for Security Assertion Markup Language. It is an open standard used for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider and a service provider.

SAML is specifically designed to facilitate single sign-on (SSO) technology. It allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple services without needing to log in repeatedly. The "Security Assertion" part of the name indicates that SAML provides information about a user's authentication status and attributes in a secure manner. The "Markup Language" portion signifies that SAML messages are formatted in XML, enabling structured communication across different systems.

Understanding SAML is crucial for organizations that use federated identity management systems and need to secure their applications while ensuring a seamless user experience. The emphasis on security and assertions in the standard indicates its role in maintaining trust between different systems during the authentication process.