Modernize Your SSO Stack: Smarter Cloud Migration Starts Here

• From passwords to passkeys, modernizing your SSO can give your organization a new edge with enhanced security and user experiences.
• But not all SSO migrations may work for you. That’s why we’ve prepared three proven strategies to help you choose the right path.
• How your SSO runs is just as important as where it lives and we’ve got the tips to help you upgrade your access management for better, scalable security.

As more organizations shift towards cloud-based architectures, modernizing Single Sign-On (SSO) infrastructure has become a strategic priority. For enterprises relying on mission-critical access management platforms like SiteMinder, cloud migration offers a chance to boost scalability, tighten security and streamline operations.

Part 1 of this two-part series mapped out what you need to successfully migrate access management platforms to the cloud. This guide outlines key considerations for SSO migration, explores three primary migration strategies and highlights modernization practices for the future.

What to know before you migrate

Before initiating your SSO migration project, it’s important to consider the following:

• Your migration objectives: Follow business and technical requirements.
• Project timeline and budget: Assess time constraints and financial resources to ensure a realistic plan.
• Complexity of current SSO infrastructure: Legacy customizations can significantly affect the migration scope.
• Available resources and skill sets: Gauge internal capabilities and need for external expertise.
• Modernization goals: Consider integration with authentication, application and operations modernization effort

3 ways to move your SSO to the cloud (and why they work)

When it comes to migrating SSO infrastructure to the cloud, organizations typically take one of three routes:

1. Start fresh with a new SSO setup 

This method involves installing and configuring the SSO system from scratch on a cloud-hosted operating system. It's equivalent to launching a new SSO infrastructure and is well-suited for clean-slate deployments that require minimal integration with legacy systems.

2. Streamline migration with a comprehensive mobility tool

Ideal for environments running on virtualization platforms, this approach leverages tools like VMware HCX to migrate the existing virtualized infrastructure to the cloud with minimal disruption. It ensures continuity by preserving IP addresses and minimizing downtime, making it appropriate for complex, customized SSO deployments. This method is especially helpful for migrating tightly integrated access management platforms while maintaining security and continuity. 

3. Modernize SSO with container-based migration

This modern method uses containerized deployment on cloud-native platforms. SSO services are packaged in containers and migrated alongside policy configurations. It offers scalability, simplifies upgrades, and supports automation through DevOps tools.

Beyond migration: Unlock the full potential of your SSO 

While migrating to the cloud is a critical step, pairing it with modernization strategies and digital transformation helps ensure your SSO stays viable for the long-haul. These updates can happen alongside migration or roll out gradually in phases.

Strengthen your log-in

Modern authentication practices focus on passwordless methods, such as FIDO2, passkeys, push notifications and one-time passwords (OTPs). These methods provide stronger security and a better user experience. Risk-aware policies and contextual authentication increase flexibility and reduce fraud. What’s pushing this shift:

• Compliance with regulatory standards improves security
• Growing demand for MFA, adaptive security and passwordless authentication
• Integration of biometric tools by major platforms (e.g., Apple Face ID, Google Biometrics, security key)

Bring apps up to speed

This involves transitioning to industry-standard protocols, such as OIDC, OAuth 2.0, SAML and SCIM, for streamlined application integration. It enhances consistency across web and mobile platforms and improves access control in hybrid infrastructures. What you get by modernizing apps:

• Simplified API-based integrations
• Standard-based integration
• Unified experience across channels

Run SSO like it’s 2025

Operational enhancements focus on cloud-native practices. Containerization allows for auto-scaling, self-healing and zero-downtime updates. DevOps tools facilitate automation and deployment, making operations more agile and resilient.Where the advantages really show:

• Compatibility with any cloud provider
• DevOps-friendly pipelines and rapid CI/CD
• Built-in support for security and compliance

Smart planning for smarter migration

Migrating SSO infrastructure to the cloud is not just a technical milestone. It’s a strategic upgrade. Whether starting fresh, leveraging VMware HCX or adopting containers, each method offers different benefits. When paired with authentication, application and operations modernization, you can build a secure, scalable and future-ready SSO platform.

Want to simplify your migration journey? Learn how VMware HCX can streamline large-scale migrations, especially for platforms like SiteMinder, while minimizing disruption and preserving performance. 

Contact the Broadcom SiteMinder team or download the VMware HCX for Application Migration to get started.