[LINK] Open ID?

[Eric Scheid]

quoting <http://openid.net/>

> What is OpenID?
> 
> OpenID is an open, decentralized, free framework for user-centric digital
> identity.
> 
> OpenID starts with the concept that anyone can identify themselves on the
> Internet the same way websites do: with a URI (also called a URL or web
> address). Since URIs are at the very core of Web architecture, they provide a
> solid foundation for user-centric identity.
> 
> The first piece of the OpenID framework is authentication -- how you prove
> ownership of a URI. Today, websites require usernames and passwords to login,
> which means that many people use the same password everywhere. With OpenID
> Authentication (see specs), your username is your URI, and your password (or
> other credentials) stays safely stored on your OpenID Provider (which you can
> run yourself, or use a third-party identity provider).
> 
> To login to an OpenID-enabled website (even one you've never been to before),
> just type your OpenID URI. The website will then redirect you to your OpenID
> Provider to login using whatever credentials it requires. Once authenticated,
> your OpenID provider will send you back to the website with the necessary
> credentials to log you in. By using Strong Authentication where needed, the
> OpenID Framework can be used for all types of transactions, both extending the
> use of pure single-sign-on as well as the sensitivity of data shared.
> 
> Beyond Authentication, the OpenID framework provides the means for users to
> share other components of their digital identity. By utilizing the emerging
> OpenID Attribute Exchange specification (see specs), users are able to clearly
> control what pieces of information can be shared by their Identity Provider,
> such as their name, address, or phone number.
> 
> Today, OpenID has emerged as the de-facto user-centric identity framework
> allowing millions of people to interact online. With programs such as the I
> Want My OpenID Bounty, developers of Open Source projects are rapidly adding
> support for OpenID in order to enable their communities.

I'm considering implementing support for this in a project soon. I'm
reasonably up to date on the technical issues, but figure that LINK would
have some relevant opinions on this too.

So ... comments?

e.