When considering Single Sign-On (SSO) implementation, understanding the costs and timelines helps businesses plan effectively. This guide breaks down what you can expect when implementing SSO across your organization.
SSO Costs Vary By App
Here at TUCU Managed IT Services in Toronto & Durham, we help our clients set up SSO. To help clients navigate their SSO options, we explain that:
- Not every app offers single sign-on (though hundreds do).
- Every app has its own SSO cost, set by the app developer (they vary greatly).
- Some apps have clear documentation for SSO integration and some do not.
We help clients build their list of desired SSO integrations.
We then determine which apps have clear documentation and which do not, and turn it into a rollout plan.
Here are real timelines and cost factors to help you plan SSO for your company.
Implementation Timeframes
For applications with established SSO support, implementation typically takes 30-60 minutes per app.
There are two sides to each setup:
- app side enablement
- SSO side integration
This means you start within the app, in your admin dashboard, and follow the steps to enable Single Sign On from within the app.
After that is enabled, your IT provider connects the app to your identity provider, such as Microsoft Entra ID.
Having your IT provider do both sides saves time and avoids settings that do not match.
Quick-Integration Apps
These applications offer straightforward SSO setup with clear documentation:
- Slack
- Stripe
- Dext
- WiseStamp
- Microsoft 365 tools
- Cloudflare (dashboard SSO is now available on all plans)
- Zoom (requires Business or Enterprise plan)
- DocuSign
- 3CX
Enterprise-Level Implementation
Some applications require additional planning and enterprise-level subscriptions, which can add to your costs. Some examples include:
- HubSpot (Enterprise tier)
- Canva (Enterprise tier)
- LinkedIn Business Tools (Advanced Plus)
- Figma (Organization/Enterprise plans)
Cost Factors
License Requirements
Many applications require specific subscription levels for SSO:
- Slack: Business+ or Enterprise plan
- Zoom: Business plan or higher
- Enterprise applications: custom pricing based on organization size
Check the plan first: Many software vendors only include SSO in their higher plans, sometimes called the “SSO tax”. Check which plan each app needs, and its current price, before you budget the rollout.
Implementation Costs
The setup work itself depends on how many apps you connect and how well each one is documented. Apps with clear documentation take less time. Apps that need custom settings or vendor support take more.
For our fully managed clients, we plan SSO as part of onboarding or as a planned project, so every app is connected the same way and documented.
Infrastructure Considerations
- Cloud identity management platform costs.
- Security certificates: SAML signing certificates expire (Microsoft Entra ID defaults to three years) and must be renewed before they lapse.
- Ongoing maintenance and support.
ROI Considerations
Direct Cost Savings
- Reduced password reset support tickets.
- Lower security incident risk.
- Decreased administrative overhead.
- Minimized downtime from access issues.
Productivity Benefits
- Faster application access.
- Reduced login friction.
- Streamlined onboarding.
- Improved security compliance.
How Long Does It Take To Set Up SSO?
It depends. The number of apps and the documentation available for each directly affect the time required and the total cost. Here are some real world examples.
Small Business (5-10 Apps)
Project Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- Basic SSO configuration.
- Standard application integration.
- User training and documentation.
Mid-Size Business (10-20 Apps)
Project Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- Mixed application portfolio.
- Multiple user groups.
- Security policy implementation.
Enterprise Implementation
Project Timeline: 4-8 weeks
- Complex application landscape.
- Custom integrations.
- Comprehensive security requirements.
Getting Started
To ensure a successful SSO implementation:
- Review your application portfolio.
- Assess current subscription levels.
- Plan necessary upgrades.
- Develop an implementation timeline.
SSO setup and management are part of the fully managed IT we provide, with Microsoft 365 security at the core. We support Windows and Mac teams. If you are looking for an IT partner who sets up SSO and looks after it for you, book a discovery call.
