How can you implement OAuth authentication in SAP HANA XS?

Implementing OAuth authentication in SAP HANA XS involves configuring the XS application to utilize an OAuth provider. OAuth is a widely used authentication framework that allows applications to obtain limited access to user accounts on an HTTP service, such as those provided by SAP HANA. By configuring the XS application to work with an OAuth provider, the application can securely delegate user authentication to that provider, thus enhancing security and allowing for token-based authentication methods.

This approach leverages the strengths of the OAuth protocol, which includes the ability to grant access without exposing user credentials directly to the application, thereby improving security by minimizing risks associated with credential handling. Furthermore, OAuth enables better management of permissions and resource access while allowing users to authenticate using existing accounts from trusted providers.

In contrast, storing user credentials in the XS application database would not align with the OAuth framework, which ideally avoids directly managing sensitive credentials. Enabling two-factor authentication, while beneficial for security, is also not a mechanism outlined by the OAuth authentication process itself, but rather an additional layer that can be implemented within a broader authentication strategy. Lastly, using direct username and password authentication deviates from the OAuth model, which seeks to eliminate the need for such methods by utilizing tokens managed by an authorization server.