Digital Platform Transformation with OAuth2

A legacy business selling PDF reports and SharePoint access was transformed into a modern, subscription-based platform with granular app-level access control and automated client onboarding.

Challenge

The client faced several critical issues with their existing system:

• Manual Distribution: Business content was distributed through PDFs and SharePoint, requiring manual handling
• Limited Access Control: No way to segment access by product or subscription level
• Onboarding Friction: New client setup required multiple manual steps across different systems
• Integration Issues: No standardized way for clients to programmatically access content
• Security Concerns: Legacy authentication methods weren't meeting modern security standards

Solution

We designed and implemented a comprehensive platform transformation:

1. Modern Authentication Architecture

• Custom OAuth2 implementation using IdentityServer4
• Multi-tenant architecture supporting B2B client organizations
• Role-based access control at both organization and app levels
• Secure token management and refresh flow implementation

2. Subscription-Based Platform

• Modular "app" architecture allowing flexible product packaging
• Automated provisioning system for new client onboarding
• Self-service portal for client administrators
• Usage analytics and subscription management dashboard

3. Client Integration Features

• RESTful API with OAuth2 security
• SDK and sample code for client integrations
• Swagger documentation for API discovery
• Automated API key management

4. Automated Onboarding

• One-click client organization creation
• Default app bundle provisioning
• Automated welcome and setup communications
• Role and permission template system

Technical Implementation

Authentication Flow:
┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐
│   Client    │────▶│IdentityServer│────▶│  Platform   │
│ Application │◀────│    OAuth2    │◀────│    APIs     │
└─────────────┘     └─────────────┘     └─────────────┘

Key components:

• Identity Management: IdentityServer4 with custom user and client stores
• Access Control: Fine-grained permissions using JWT claims
• Client Management: Automated provisioning and subscription management
• Monitoring: Usage tracking and access pattern analytics
• Integration: OAuth2-secured APIs with comprehensive documentation

Results

• Onboarding Time: Reduced from 2-3 days to 15 minutes
• Integration Time: Client integration time reduced by 60%
• Security: SOC2 compliant authentication and authorization
• Revenue: 35% increase in average contract value through flexible app bundling
• Client Satisfaction: 92% positive feedback on new platform
• Platform Growth: 150+ enterprise clients onboarded in first year

Business Impact

The transformation delivered significant improvements:

1. Operational Efficiency

   • Eliminated manual content distribution
   • Automated client onboarding and provisioning
   • Reduced support tickets by 65%

2. Revenue Opportunities

   • New subscription-based revenue streams
   • Ability to upsell additional apps
   • Improved client retention through platform stickiness

3. Technical Excellence

   • Industry-standard OAuth2 security
   • Modern API-first architecture
   • Scalable multi-tenant platform

Key Learnings

1. Authentication Architecture

   • Deep expertise in OAuth2 flows and security best practices
   • Practical experience with IdentityServer4 customization
   • Multi-tenant B2B authentication patterns

2. Platform Design

   • Subscription management at scale
   • Automated provisioning systems
   • Usage analytics and monitoring

3. Integration Strategy

   • API-first development approach
   • Developer experience optimization
   • OAuth2 token management

Technology Stack

• Authentication: IdentityServer4, OAuth2, JWT
• Backend: ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core
• Frontend: React, TypeScript
• Database: SQL Server, Redis
• Infrastructure: Azure, Docker
• Monitoring: Application Insights, Custom Analytics

"The new platform transformed how we deliver value to clients. Authentication that used to be a pain point is now a competitive advantage." - Client CTO