Final answer:
SAML and WS-FED are protocols used for single sign-on authentication. Okta supports SAML for configuring applications. WS-FED can be used as an alternative to SAML in Okta applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and WS-FED (Web Services Federation) are both protocols used for single sign-on (SSO) authentication in web applications.
SAML is an XML-based standard that enables secure communication between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). It allows users to log in to multiple applications using a single set of credentials. Okta, being an identity management platform, supports SAML for configuring applications and providing SSO capabilities.
On the other hand, WS-FED is another protocol that enables applications to securely exchange user authentication and authorization information. It is generally used in Microsoft-based environments. When configuring an Okta application, WS-FED can be used as an alternative to SAML, depending on the application's requirements and compatibility.