
## The Business Challenge - Disjointed Access Experience {#business-challenge}

Many enterprises use Crowd as their source of truth for user directories and group permissions. However, IT admins frequently face the problem of having a single place to manage access and having the users successfully authenticated via their external IdP. Managing logins and permissions separately is a nightmare.

This results in:

- Multiple authentication prompts for different applications.
- Inconsistent login experiences across Atlassian tools.
- Higher workload for admins managing users and groups in multiple systems.
- Difficulty enforcing modern authentication policies across all tools.

## Our Solution - Bridging Authentication & Permission Management {#solution}

miniOrange addresses this challenge with a combination of our **Crowd SAML SSO Plugin** and **Crowd SSO Connectors** for each Atlassian application.

### How it works

**1. Crowd SAML SSO Plugin**

Turns Crowd into a SAML Service Provider, enabling integration with any SAML-compliant IdP (Azure AD, Okta, Ping, ADFS, OneLogin, Google Workspace, etc.).

**2. Crowd SSO Connectors**

Extend authenticated sessions from Crowd to all connected Atlassian applications - Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo, no repeated logins needed.

## Authentication Flow with miniOrange {#authentication-flow}

1. Users access an Atlassian application (e.g., Jira).
2. The application invokes SSO via the Crowd SSO Connector.
3. Crowd SAML Plugin redirects the user to the central IdP for authentication.
4. Once authenticated, the IdP sends the SAML response back to Crowd.
5. Crowd validates the response, creates the user session, and redirects them to the requested application.
6. Access is granted based on the groups and permissions already configured in Crowd.

All of the redirection processes from Jira to Crowd, then from Crowd back to Jira, and even after the authentication process to the correct Atlassian application are extremely seamless, taking less than 2 to 3 seconds in total. This ensures that users experience minimal delay and a smooth login flow without unnecessary interruptions.

Crowd SSO Plugin and its Connectors:

- [Crowd SAML SSO plugin](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1218304/mo-saml-single-sign-on-sso-for-crowd?hosting=server&tab=overview)
- [SSO Connectors for Crowd and JIRA](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220053/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-jira?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview)
- [SSO Connectors for Crowd and Confluence](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220055/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-confluence?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview)
- [SSO Connectors for Crowd and Bitbucket](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220057/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-bitbucket?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview)
- [SSO Connectors for Crowd and Bamboo](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220056/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-bamboo?hosting=server&tab=overview)
- [SSO Connectors for Crowd and Fisheye](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1222983/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-fisheye)

## Key Benefits {#key-benefits}

- **Single SAML Configuration** for all Atlassian applications — no need to configure each tool individually.
- **Centralized Authentication** via your IdP while keeping **Crowd as the permissions hub**.
- **Unified User Experience** — one login grants access to all connected apps.
- **Enhanced Security** — easily enforce MFA or other policies at the IdP level.
- **Support for Leading IdPs** — Azure AD, Okta, ADFS, Ping, OneLogin, Google Workspace, and more.

## Why This Matters {#why-this-matters}

This approach future-proofs your authentication strategy:

- Crowd stays in control of permissions.
- Your IdP becomes the single source for authentication.
- End users get a frictionless experience.
- Admins spend less time managing scattered login systems.

If your organization is struggling with fragmented authentication across Atlassian applications connected to Crowd, miniOrange can help you achieve the best of both worlds **centralized login and decentralized permission management**.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) {#faq}

**1. Can I still use Crowd for group and permission management if I implement miniOrange SSO?**

Yes. miniOrange integrates seamlessly with Crowd, allowing you to retain Crowd for permission management while centralizing authentication via your Identity Provider (IdP).

**2. Does miniOrange support my existing Identity Provider?**

Yes. miniOrange supports popular IdPs like Okta, Azure AD, Ping Identity, Keycloak, ADFS, and more, as well as custom SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect providers.

**3. How fast is the login process with miniOrange SSO?**

The authentication and redirection process is seamless and typically takes less than 2–3 seconds, even with multi-step redirections between Crowd and Atlassian applications.

**4. Is this solution available on the Atlassian Marketplace?**

Yes. miniOrange’s Crowd SAML SSO and Connectors are available on the Atlassian Marketplace for Data Center instances.

**5. Can we connect non-Atlassian applications whose permissions are managed in Crowd?**

Yes. We currently offer connectors for Jenkins, SonarQube, and Nexus. If you wish to connect any other application, let us know—we can help you set it up.

## Conclusion {#conclusion}

Centralizing authentication in a multi-application Atlassian Data Center environment doesn’t have to be complex. With miniOrange’s Crowd SAML SSO and Connectors, you can retain the benefits of Atlassian Crowd for permission management while delivering a fast, seamless, and secure login experience across all your Atlassian tools. This unified approach not only enhances security but also streamlines access for users, helping large enterprises work smarter, not harder.

**Want to learn more?**
Drop us a mail at [info@xecurify.com](mailto:info@xecurify.com) or raise a support ticket here to discuss your requirements or see a live demo.


Atlassian Crowd simplifies user and group management across Data Center applications, but enterprises often struggle with multiple logins and inconsistent access flows. With miniOrange’s Crowd SAML SSO and Connectors, you can centralize authentication via your IdP while retaining Crowd for permissions—delivering secure, seamless SSO across Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo, and more.

Seamless SSO for Atlassian Applications Connected to Crowd - The miniOrange Way


Atlassian Crowd is a powerful centralized user management tool that provides a single point of control for authentication and access across multiple Atlassian applications like Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket. 

However, managing users and licenses manually in Crowd can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. Administrators often struggle with provisioning, offboarding, and ensuring optimal license usage, leading to security risks, compliance challenges, and unnecessary costs.

This is where the [miniOrange Automated User & License Management app](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/atlassian-bulk-user-management) comes into play. By introducing automation into user access lifecycle management, role-based access control, and license optimization, organizations can eliminate inefficiencies and streamline their identity and access management processes in Crowd.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of manual user and license management, the benefits of automation, and how miniOrange’s solution simplifies these processes to improve security, efficiency, and compliance.

### The Hidden Costs of Manual User & License Management in Atlassian Crowd {#costs-of-manual-user-and-license-management}

Manually managing users and licenses in Atlassian Crowd can seem manageable at first, but as organizations scale, it quickly turns into an operational bottleneck. Admins have to spend countless hours provisioning new users, updating roles, deactivating inactive accounts, and tracking license usage—all while trying to maintain security and compliance.

&nbsp;

**The Pain Points of Manual User Management :**

-**Time-Consuming & Error-Prone Processes** : Admins often rely on manual workflows to add or remove users, leading to delays and mistakes that can impact productivity.

-**Security Risks from Ghost Accounts** : Failure to offboard users promptly creates security vulnerabilities, leaving access open for former employees or unused accounts.

-**Compliance Challenges** : Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA require strict control over user data and access. Without automated tracking, compliance audits become complex and time-intensive.

&nbsp;

**The Inefficiencies of Manual License Management :**

-**Wasted Licenses & Unnecessary Costs** : Organizations often pay for inactive users due to a lack of real-time tracking and automated deactivation.

-**Overprovisioning & Underutilization** : Without an automated system, assigning and revoking licenses based on actual usage becomes inefficient, leading to resource wastage.

-**Lack of Visibility & Reporting** : IT admins struggle to get a clear view of license usage, making it difficult to optimize allocations and ensure compliance.

**The Case for No-Code User Management & License Management :**

Managing users and licenses in Atlassian Crowd doesn’t have to involve complex scripts or manual intervention. With our no-code user & license management feature, admins can automate provisioning, enforce access policies, and optimize license usage—all without writing a single line of code. This streamlines IT operations while enhancing security, compliance, and cost efficiency.


### Automating User Lifecycles: From Onboarding to Offboarding in Atlassian Crowd {#automating-user-lifecycles}

 Manually handling user lifecycles—onboarding, role updates, and offboarding—can be inefficient and error-prone. Without automation, IT teams must manually provision new accounts, adjust permissions as roles change, and ensure timely deactivation when employees leave. These processes not only consume valuable time but also introduce security and compliance risks.

&nbsp;

**How miniOrange Automates User Lifecycle Management :**

With **miniOrange’s Automated User & License Management app**, businesses can eliminate manual interventions and streamline every stage of the user lifecycle:

-**Automated Role & Access Updates** : Ensure users always have the right level of access as they move across departments or projects.

-**Effortless Offboarding** : Automatically revoke access and deactivate accounts when employees leave, preventing security risks.

By automating user lifecycle management in Atlassian Crowd, organizations can improve efficiency, enhance security, and maintain compliance—all while reducing IT workload.

### Optimizing Atlassian Crowd License Management {#optimizing-atlassian-crowd}

Managing licenses in Atlassian Crowd can quickly become a challenge, especially as teams scale and user counts fluctuate. Without automation, IT admins must manually track active users, revoke unused licenses, and ensure compliance with licensing policies. This not only increases administrative overhead but also leads to unnecessary costs due to unused or misallocated licenses.

&nbsp;

**Common Challenges in Manual License Management :**

-**License Wastage** : Unused or inactive accounts continue consuming licenses, increasing costs.

-**Inefficient Tracking** : Without automation, IT teams must manually monitor and adjust license allocation.

-**Non-Compliance Risks** : Over-assigning or under-utilizing licenses can lead to compliance issues with Atlassian’s licensing policies.

&nbsp;

**How miniOrange Automates License Management :**

With the miniOrange Automated User & License Management app, organizations can optimize license usage in Atlassian Crowd effortlessly:

-**Automated License Allocation** : Assign licenses dynamically based on actual user activity and predefined policies.

-**Inactive User Cleanup** : Detects and revokes licenses from inactive users, reducing unnecessary costs.

-**Compliance-Ready Audits** : Maintain transparency with automated tracking and reporting, ensuring adherence to licensing requirements.

By automating license management, businesses can maximize their Atlassian investment, reduce IT workload, and ensure compliance—without the hassle of manual tracking.

### Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Atlassian Crowd: Enforcing Secure Group-Based Access {#enforcing-secure-based-access}

Ensuring the right users have the right level of access is critical for security and compliance. **Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)** helps enforce the **principle of least privilege**, ensuring users only access what they need based on their roles. However, manually managing role assignments and access levels can be time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to security risks and compliance gaps.

&nbsp;

**Challenges of Manual Role Management :**

-**Overprovisioned Access** : Users often retain excessive permissions, increasing security risks.

-**Inconsistent Role Assignments** : Without structured RBAC, admins may assign access arbitrarily, leading to inefficiencies.

-**Compliance Risks** : Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 require strict access controls, which manual processes struggle to enforce.

**Group-Based RBAC with miniOrange :**

The miniOrange Automated User & License Management app simplifies RBAC by integrating group-based access control, allowing admins to:

-**Assign Roles Automatically** : Users are added to predefined groups based on department, job role, or team.

-**Enforce Least Privilege Access** : Ensure users only get the necessary permissions, reducing insider threats.

By leveraging group-based RBAC, organizations can enhance security, streamline access management, and simplify audits—all while reducing the IT workload.


### SAML SSO + 2FA: Secure & Seamless Access to Atlassian Tools {#saml-sso-2fa}

Managing multiple logins across Atlassian tools is inefficient and risky. Integrating [SAML Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1218304/saml-single-sign-on-sso-for-crowd-connected-apps?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview) with **Atlassian Crowd** simplifies authentication by enabling users to log in once and securely access connected Atlassian applications like Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket—reducing password fatigue and security risks.

However, **SSO alone isn’t enough**. Without an extra layer of protection, compromised credentials can still lead to unauthorized access. Combining **SAML SSO with** [Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1224960/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-crowd?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview) ensures that only verified users can access critical systems, enhancing security across **Crowd-managed user directories**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;


**Key Benefits of miniOrange SAML SSO + 2FA for Atlassian Crowd :**

-**Centralized Authentication** : One login for all Atlassian tools.

-**Stronger Security** : Enforce 2FA via OTP, push notifications, or biometrics.
Adaptive Authentication : Apply 2FA based on risk factors like location or device.

With miniOrange SAML SSO + 2FA, organizations achieve both efficiency and security, reducing IT overhead while ensuring compliance with zero-trust principles.


### Case Study: How Collins Aerospace Optimized License Management with miniOrange {#case-study}

Collins Aerospace struggled with manual user deactivation, inefficient license management, and limited visibility into user activity within their Atlassian applications.

miniOrange’s **Crowd Automated User Management App** streamlined Collins Aerospace’s user and license management by automating deactivation of inactive users, efficiently removing them from licensed groups (while retaining exceptions), and enabling filtered data exports for better audits. 

This automation reduced manual effort, optimized license utilization, and improved visibility into user activity, allowing them to focus on strategic priorities. You can read more about the case study at [Collins Aerospace case study](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/bulk-user-management-for-collins-aerospace).

### GDPR Compliance with Automated User Management {#automated-user-management}

GDPR requires organizations to enforce strict data protection measures, including secure access control, timely user deactivation, and accurate record-keeping. Manual user management increases the risk of non-compliance due to errors, delayed offboarding, and lack of auditability.

With **miniOrange’s Automated User Management for Crowd**, organizations can seamlessly enforce role-based access, automatically deactivate inactive users, and maintain detailed audit logs—all while reducing manual intervention. 

By ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and automating compliance processes, miniOrange helps organizations meet GDPR requirements efficiently, minimizing security risks and administrative overhead.

### Conclusion: Simplify User & License Management in Atlassian Crowd {#conclusion}

Managing users and licenses manually in Atlassian Crowd is time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. With miniOrange’s No-Code User Management & License Management solution, businesses can:


-**Automate user lifecycle management** : from onboarding to offboarding—reducing IT workload and improving accuracy.

-**Optimize license utilization** by automatically deactivating inactive users and reallocating licenses efficiently.

-**Enhance security with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)**, ensuring users have the right permissions based on their roles.

-**Enable seamless authentication with SAML SSO & 2FA**, improving both security and user experience.

-**Ensure GDPR compliance** with automated access control, audit logs, and secure data handling.


By leveraging **no-code automation**, organizations can streamline operations, boost security, and cut costs—all without manual intervention. Ready to experience hassle-free user and license management? **Get a** [hands-on demo](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/group/6/create/66) **of miniOrange’s solution today!**

Discover how miniOranges Automated User & License Management app simplifies Atlassian Crowd management. Automate user lifecycle, optimize licenses, enforce RBAC, and enhance security with SAML SSO + 2FA. Boost efficiency, cut costs, and ensure compliance effortlessly!

Crowd SSO

Seamless SSO for Atlassian Applications Connected to Crowd - The miniOrange Way

Unlock Seamless User & License Management in Crowd with miniOrange