title: In order to implement SAML do I need Shibboleth SP installed on my host?
body: <p>I got a couple of SAML implementation questions to clear up my confusion ...</p>
  
  <p>I need to implement SSO in a java web app.</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>In order to do so, do I need Shibboleth SP installed on my host <a href="http://www.ctrip.ufl.edu/shiboleth2-sp-on-debian-lenny-howto">like so</a>, or can I provide the SP functionality via OpenSAML?</p></li>
  <li><p>I am assuming that shibboleth is doing the same as OpenSAML but just on a webserver level, whereas OpenSAML will do it on the software side. Is that assumption correct?</p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>EDIT:</strong> So shibboleth (according to Scott Cantor) is build with OpenSAML ...
    does my assumption still hold though?</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>What will be needed to use OpenSAML? Just the IdP url and a registration with the idP?</p></li>
  <li><p>Do I need to provide an SP directory, e.g. ActiveDirectory/LDAP?</p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>EDIT:</strong> Thanks for the answers, but can someone directly answer the questions
    above and elaborate on them ...</p>
  </blockquote>