The verdict in three sentences
Adding SSO (Single Sign-On) to an enterprise application costs, in 2026, between 3,000 and 10,000 EUR depending on the protocol (OIDC simpler, SAML heavier), delivered in 2 to 4 weeks. SCIM provisioning (automatic account creation/deactivation) adds 2,000 to 5,000 EUR but is often mandatory for enterprise accounts. The real trade-off is between a managed identity provider (Auth0, Clerk, at 0.02-0.05 EUR/MAU) and an in-house build: managed speeds time-to-market, in-house cuts recurring cost at scale.
OIDC vs SAML: which protocol to choose?
Enterprise accounts often impose their protocol. Here is what sets them apart in 2026.
| Criterion | OIDC (OpenID Connect) | SAML 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Modernity | Recent, based on OAuth 2.0 / JSON | Older, XML-based |
| Integration complexity | Moderate | High |
| Integration cost | 3,000 to 6,000 EUR | 5,000 to 10,000 EUR |
| Typical use case | Modern web/mobile apps | Enterprise, public sector |
| IdP compatibility | Azure AD, Google, Okta | Azure AD, ADFS, Okta |
| Timeline | 2 to 3 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
If the client lets you choose, OIDC is faster and cheaper. But many enterprise IT departments still require SAML, especially in the public sector.
In-house build vs managed identity provider
The second structural decision: code authentication in-house or lean on a managed IdP.
| Criterion | In-house build | Managed IdP (Auth0, Clerk...) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Higher (full auth dev) | Lower (SDK integration) |
| Recurring cost | Low (hosting) | 0.02 to 0.05 EUR/MAU |
| MFA included | To be built | Yes, native |
| SCIM / provisioning | To be built | Often available as option |
| Time-to-market | 4 to 8 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Cost-efficiency | Better at scale | Better at launch |
For 5,000 monthly active users (MAU) at 0.03 EUR, a managed IdP costs about 150 EUR/month, i.e. 1,800 EUR/year: at that level, managed is often the best choice. Beyond tens of thousands of MAU, in-house build becomes cost-effective.
Enterprise SSO security checklist
An enterprise deal comes with security requirements. Here are the points systematically audited.
| Requirement | Expected status | Impact if absent |
|---|---|---|
| MFA (multi-factor) | Mandatory | Deal blocked |
| SCIM provisioning | Often required | Manual account management |
| Token encryption | Mandatory | Critical vulnerability |
| Access logging | Mandatory | Audit non-compliance |
| Automatic deprovisioning | Strongly advised | Orphan accounts = risk |
| Key/secret rotation | Mandatory | Prolonged exposure |
Mini case study
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Sophie, IT director at a software vendor in Dublin, must add SSO to her SaaS platform to sign a contract with a large group that mandates Azure AD over SAML with SCIM provisioning. Quote: 8,000 EUR for the SAML integration + 3,500 EUR for SCIM, i.e. 11,500 EUR, delivered in 4 weeks. The enterprise contract is worth 90,000 EUR/year. The SSO investment is 12.8 % of the first contract year, and it is reusable for every future enterprise client requiring SSO. Sophie approves: without SSO, the deal was simply impossible.
FAQ
How much does SSO integration cost in 2026?
Between 3,000 and 10,000 EUR depending on protocol: OIDC at the low end, SAML at the high end. SCIM provisioning adds 2,000 to 5,000 EUR.
OIDC or SAML, which to favour?
OIDC if you have the choice (more modern, faster). SAML if the client mandates it, which remains common with enterprise accounts and the public sector.
Do I need a managed identity provider?
At launch, usually yes: it speeds go-live and includes MFA and SCIM. At very large scale (tens of thousands of MAU), in-house build becomes more cost-effective.
What is SCIM provisioning?
It is the automatic creation, update and deactivation of accounts from the client's directory. Enterprise accounts require it to avoid orphan accounts and comply with their security policies.
Is MFA included in SSO?
With a managed IdP, yes, natively. With an in-house build, it must be developed. Either way, MFA is now non-negotiable for an enterprise deal.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the required protocol (OIDC/SAML), the SCIM need and your MAU volume, and we will price the SSO integration and recurring cost. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
