PaaS vs SSO
PaaS (Platform 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: PaaS refers to platform as a service, while SSO refers to single sign-on — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
PaaS — Platform as a Service
A cloud category where the provider supplies infrastructure plus runtimes, databases, and tooling — so developers can deploy apps without managing servers.
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 PaaS
Reach for "PaaS" when the conversation is specifically about platform as a service. A cloud category where the provider supplies infrastructure plus runtimes, databases, and tooling — so developers can deploy apps without managing servers.
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 PaaS and SSO?
PaaS stands for Platform as a Service — A cloud category where the provider supplies infrastructure plus runtimes, databases, and tooling — so developers can deploy apps without managing servers. 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 PaaS and SSO the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. PaaS = Platform as a Service. SSO = Single Sign-On.
When should I use PaaS vs SSO?
Use PaaS when you're specifically referring to platform as a service. Use SSO when the topic is single sign-on.