There is a difference in terminology between AD FS terms and SAML terms. AD FS supports SAML and implements SAML but the terminology associated with AD FS varies in comparison to the terminology that is used in the context of SAML.

Some examples of these terminology differences are provided in the table below.

AD FS Name

SAML Name

Concept

Security Token

Assertion

A package of security information, describing a user, created and consumed during a federated access request.

Claims Provider

Identity Provider (IdP)

Partner in a federation that creates security tokens for users.

Relying Party

Service Provider (SP)

Partner in a federation that consumes security tokens for providing access to applications.

Claims

Assertion attributes

Data about users that is sent inside security tokens.