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Single Sign On

Thomson Reuters Training & Support

FAQ

Read through a list of frequently asked questions from our customers and prospects.

General questions

What is Single Sign On?

Single Sign On is a way to access Thomson Reuters platforms through your organisation's login credentials, instead of using a separate username and password to login (i.e., a OnePass).

It works by our authentication servers having a connection with your organisation, so that we can verify your access without requiring additional information from you.

What are the advantages of Single Sign On?

Single Sign On has numerous advantages over other access methods.

Access

  • As it utilises an organisation's existing login credentials, users have fewer login details to remember, unlike OnePass where a distinct username and password is required.
  • In most cases, an existing login during the day on your organisation's sign on credentials means access is totally seamless.
  • Adding and removing users to Thomson Reuters platforms becomes incredibly easy, when they are added or removed from their organisational sign on, they are added or removed from Thomson Reuters platforms.

Personalisation

  • Since users are unique based on their organisational credentials, full personalisation and customisation is available to users, unlike IP Access where users are given generic access.
  • Usage reporting and account information on users are extremely detailed, given activities can be demonstrated to the user level.
What do I need to get Single Sign On?

Thomson Reuters requires your organisation to have access to a SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) Compliant Identity Provider (IDP).

We support identity providers with the following protocols;

  • SAML 2.0
  • WS-Federation

Examples of common compliant IDP include, but is not limited to;

  • Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Okta Identity Cloud
  • OpenAthens
  • Shibboleth
  • CARSI (China)

If you are not sure if you are SAML Compliant, or have more questions about technical implementation, have your internal IT or Systems Administration team contact us and your Customer Relationship Manger can advise.

How do I access my subscriptions using Single Sign On?

There are two primary methods for non-Federation subscribers;

  1. Using a Single Sign On link;
  2. Using the "Access with Single Sign On" button

1. Using a Single Sign On link

Thomson Reuters platform links can be modified to flag Single Sign On Access, both for the platform itself and for deep links to content within the platform. This is done with relatively simple alterations to links, example below (where ### is a value unique to your organisation Thomson Reuters will provide you);

https://www.westlaw.com

to

https://www.westlaw.com?groupid=###

 

2. Using the "Access with Single Sign On" button

Sign In Page with SSO Option

Access to platforms with single sign on can be achieved by clicking the "Access with single sign-on" button on the bottom of the screen.

 

SSO Page

The user can then enter their organisation email or group ID (the group ID will be provided as part of setup), and their browser can be set to remember that information, and to always take them automatically to this screen.

Which Thomson Reuters platforms does it work with?

The following Thomson Reuters platforms are compatible;

  • Westlaw AU/NZ
  • New Westlaw Australia/New Westlaw New Zealand
  • Practical Law
  • Westlaw UK
  • Thomson Reuters Westlaw
  • Proview
  • Checkpoint
  • Drafting Assistant AU/NZ
  • Westlaw Asia
  • Westlaw Middle East
Does it replace the existing methods I use to access the platform?

Yes. 

Whilst other access methods like OnePass or IP access can be maintained for a fixed period to allow users to transition, Single Sign On will replace those access methods.

Is there an additional cost to implementing Single Sign on?

No.

Single Sign On is a complimentary enhancement Thomson Reuters provides to subscribers. There is no additional cost.

I am in an Access Federation; can I use that login to access Thomson Reuters products?

Yes.

Thomson Reuters has partnered with several Access Federations to provide access to members.

These include;

  • OpenAthens
  • Australian Access Federation
  • Tuakiri Access Federation (New Zealand)
  • UK Federation
  • CARSI (China)
  • Shibboleth
  • Okta
Will access via Single Sign On also work when users are working remotely/off campus without IP validation?

Yes, so long as your identity provider is accessible remotely/off campus.

Will my organisation have the ability to manage users through its directory/identity provider?

Yes, your access to Thomson Reuters platforms will be tied to your organisation credentials.

How long will the process take to migrate to Single Sign On?

The implementation timeframe is dependent on the agreed SSO solution and will be determined during the consultation and planning sessions. Generally, we expect the process to complete between two and eight weeks.

Will there be any interruptions to my Thomson Reuters services?

Thomson Reuters will provide dual access to existing platforms so as not to disrupt users during the migration.

If an organisation already has local Single Sign On implemented, is a separate Single Sign On for Thomson Reuters required?

No, we can add Thomson Reuters platforms so long as the Single Sign On already implemented is compliant as explained in the question "What do I need to get Single Sign On?"

What expertise and/or software is required on the client's side?

Client will require an identity provider and the ability to manage it.

For academic customers, how will they be able to trace students via Single Sign On? What if registration links are sent to someone outside of the organisation?

If someone outside of the organisation is sent a link, they will be unable to access Thomson Reuters as they will not have access to the organisations sign on credentials.

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