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Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
August 10, 2022
Open for votes

Single Sign-On Everywhere!

Related products:OVO Forum
  • August 10, 2022
  • 15 replies
  • 182 views

Single Sign-On is amazing. One set of credentials for absolutely everything that’s managed by the SSO Identity Provider (idP) and the connected Service Providers.

But it’s been missing from OVO’s Forum since the days the OVO Forum started. I’d really love to be able to have one set of credentials that works no matter where I am in OVO’s platform. Forum, MyOVO, OVO Energy app, insert future thing here… But not to replace the ability to have separate logins if one prefers.

Pretty please? :D

15 replies

Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
OVO Forum Legend
August 11, 2022

Thanks for posting this idea, @Blastoise186 - you’ve got my vote!

 

I’ll be changing this to ‘open for votes’ so we can gauge interest from other forum members. 

 

Please be advised that we’ve wanted a SSO solution for some time, but there are dependencies on the identify provider. Changes are happening in this area and until that’s complete, work on a SSO with this Insided platform can’t start. I’ll be keeping this idea updated with the latest as and when!

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
OVO Forum Legend
August 11, 2022
NewOpen for votes
Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Buzby
Rank 6
Rank 6
March 15, 2024

I think SSO is a good idea, but only if it’s implemented properly !

I don’t want some half-cocked system where you have to log in to Account  before you can access Forum. It needs to work both ways, with a login anywhere giving access everywhere.

Also, it needs to extend to mobile devices when they are on the same WiFi network, with fingerprint login there giving access to websites and applications running on a PC/laptop.

 

All this will work fine, providing seamless transitions between apps no matter where they are. However, we still need the ability to login locally for the rare occasions when SSO breaks, and we need a support channel that understands what they are dealing with.

I burn gas, petrol, and diesel. I am 100% Carbon Neutral ( Well, I will be, when I can buy some carbon offsets.. )
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
March 15, 2024

The way SSO can work on the forum software is that it can be made totally optional - there’s the option of making it SSO Only, Username/Password Only or Both. Tim wants it to be the Both option to cater for every use case.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
March 15, 2024

It is however, worth noting that the forum software CANNOT act as both a Service Provider and an Identity Provider at the same time. Each application can only play either the SP or IdP role.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Buzby
Rank 6
Rank 6
March 16, 2024

This SSO idea has got legs !.

When the laptop/mobile is identified and authorised,  it would be great if that state could be passed to the Chat engine.

This would save the Agents having to ask all those ID questions again every time the Chat gets transferred !

I burn gas, petrol, and diesel. I am 100% Carbon Neutral ( Well, I will be, when I can buy some carbon offsets.. )
Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
OVO Forum Legend
March 18, 2024

Nice feedback, thank you @Buzby.

 

I am wondering out loud here about the lack of / prospect of a Google SSO directly with Gainsight. Lots of sites I use offer that and it’s certainly nice and easy to use my google account for signing up to sites that use it… 

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
Firedog
Super User
Super User
March 18, 2024

PLEASE keep Google out of it as far as possible, and any other ‘universal’ access enablers like Microsoft or Facebook or LinkedIn. 

There is already too much cross-contamination between the forum and the OVO energy account (the CSRF fault illustrated that, I think), and there are obvious security pitfalls with being automatically signed into a financial account when simply using a social medium like this forum. 

 

PS

TIL that CSRF is pronounced sea surf. Neat 🙂

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
Buzby
Rank 6
Rank 6
March 18, 2024

Nice feedback, thank you @Buzby.

 

I am wondering out loud here about the lack of / prospect of a Google SSO directly with Gainsight. Lots of sites I use offer that and it’s certainly nice and easy to use my google account for signing up to sites that use it… 

If you go to the Gainsight page here : https://www.gainsight.com/platform/

Scroll down to the ‘Read case study’ button for BOX, the result is a .png logo file.

If a company can’t even proof check their website, would you trust their product ?

OVO doesn’t shine in this repect either ...

https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/types-of-boilers-explained

Conventional boilers are so good we named them twice !

I despair !

Buzby

 

 

 

I burn gas, petrol, and diesel. I am 100% Carbon Neutral ( Well, I will be, when I can buy some carbon offsets.. )
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
March 18, 2024

Don’t knock em until you try em.

Gainsight are actually really good. That issue has already been reported and will likely be rapidly fixed. Fortunately, that’s something I’m very capable of. It literally took me a mere 10 seconds to submit #306098 using my Support Account I have with them.

Rather than moan publicly about things like that, how about you let folks know via the right channels? I’m sure they’d appreciate it! :)

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!