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This page seems to contain suggestions for improving the OpenID.net home page based on its previous contents, before all the informative text was removed some time on late 2007. You may want to read about or discuss the wider OpenID Website Issues.
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What is OpenID?
In short, OpenID is a way for individuals to create identity online and use it anywhere OpenID is supported.
For geeks, OpenID is an open, decentralized, free framework for user-centric digital identity. OpenID takes advantage of already existing internet technology (URI, HTTP, SSL, Diffie-Hellman) and realizes that people are already creating identities for themselves whether it be at their blog, photo stream, profile page, etc. With OpenID you can easily transform one of these existing URIs into an account which can be used at sites which support OpenID logins.
For individuals, OpenID means the elimination of multiple user names and passwords and a smoother, more secure, online experience. For businesses, this means a lower cost of password or account management, the opportunity for easier and higher numbers of new user registrations and the elimination of missed transactions because of user frustration with lost and forgotten passwords. OpenID allows for innovation in the authentication space beyond just using a password to "unlock" your OpenID identity, but the ability to strongly protect your OpenID and have that benefit move with you everywhere you go online.
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. People around the World speak about OpenID and its adoption, many of these presentations can be found under the section on the right.
Like any other new technology, it is hard to explain OpenID in the same words to all who may wish to take advantage of the benefits offered by this open, decentralized approach to online identity. We definitely encourage you to become a part of the OpenID community and join the conversation on general@openid.net.
Who Owns or Controls OpenID?
OpenID has arisen from the open source community to solve the problems that could not be easily solved by other existing technologies. OpenID is a lightweight method of identifying individuals that uses the same technology framework that is used to identify websites. As such, OpenID is not owned by anyone, nor should it be. The OpenID Foundation was formed to assist the open source model by providing a legal entity to be the steward for the community by providing needed infrastructure and generally helping to promote and support expanded adoption of OpenID.
As Brad Fitzpatrick (father of OpenID) said, Nobody should own this. Nobody's planning on making any money from this. The goal is to release every part of this under the most liberal licenses possible, so there's no money or licensing or registering required to play. It benefits the community as a whole if something like this exists, and we're all a part of the community.
This statement continues to resonate today within the OpenID community.
Where Do I Learn More?
For developers, and those wishing to find out more about the OpenID technology and how it is rapidly growing and evolving, please see the other resources listed to the right under the and sections. For website owners and service providers who want to learn more about how to implement OpenID, or who may want some help in doing so, we invite you to see the other resources listed to the right under the and sections.
If OpenID still seems confusing, or intimidating, or if you have suggestions about things we all can do better to help support and promote the adoption of OpenID, please feel free to join the conversation on general@openid.net.
Where Do I Get One?
Got an AOL or AIM account? You already have one! It's http://openid.aol.com/your_screenname
Got a Livejournal?
Got a TypePad blog?
Work at Sun? Aren't you lucky, you get paychecks and a digital identity. Ask your boss, you'll be up in no time
Or try these: MyOpenID, ClaimID, Verisign PIP
