What is SAML?

SAML stands for Security Assertion Markup Language, and is a method used by service providers and their clients to exchange authentication and authorization for elements of webpages, such as secure web browser sign-ins. SAML is based on the extensible markup language.

SAML was initiated in January 2001 as a joint effort by Netegrity, Securant, VeriSign, Jamcracker and the OASIS Security Services Technical Committee to facilitate secure data exchanges between online collaborators. By November 2002, the first version of SAML had become standard for the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards. A year later, SAML saw widespread adoption across several industries.