IaaS vs SSO
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and SSO (Single Sign-On) both come up in technology conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: IaaS refers to infrastructure as a service, while SSO refers to single sign-on — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
IaaS — Infrastructure as a Service
A cloud category that provides raw compute, storage, and networking — leaving the user to install, configure, and manage everything above the hardware.
SSO — Single Sign-On
An authentication system that lets users log into multiple applications with one set of credentials, typically via an identity provider.
When to use IaaS
Reach for "IaaS" when the conversation is specifically about infrastructure as a service. A cloud category that provides raw compute, storage, and networking — leaving the user to install, configure, and manage everything above the hardware.
When to use SSO
Reach for "SSO" when the conversation is specifically about single sign-on. An authentication system that lets users log into multiple applications with one set of credentials, typically via an identity provider.
FAQs
What is the difference between IaaS and SSO?
IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service — A cloud category that provides raw compute, storage, and networking — leaving the user to install, configure, and manage everything above the hardware. SSO stands for Single Sign-On — An authentication system that lets users log into multiple applications with one set of credentials, typically via an identity provider.
Are IaaS and SSO the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. IaaS = Infrastructure as a Service. SSO = Single Sign-On.
When should I use IaaS vs SSO?
Use IaaS when you're specifically referring to infrastructure as a service. Use SSO when the topic is single sign-on.