User ID and password

Default mechanism to use for user authentication for both SAP and Internet protocols, regardless of the front-end client.

For more information, see Logon and Password Security in the SAP System.

Secure Network Communications (SNC)

Use for user authentication and SSO when using SAP protocols (dialog, RFC) and the SAP GUI for Windows or SAP GUI for Java as the front-end clients. Transport layer security is also provided when using SNC.

For more information, see Secure Network Communications (SNC).

Logon tickets

Use for SSO when using Internet protocols and a Web browser as the front-end client.

For more information, see Using Logon Tickets.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and X.509 client certificates

Use for both user authentication and SSO when using Internet protocols and a Web browser as the front-end client.

For more information, see Using X.509 Client Certificates.

Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) 2.0

User for standards-based SSO and Single Log-Out (SLO) for Web-based access and Web services.

For more information, see Using SAML 2.0.