OpenID is a “single sign-on” system designed to address the issues posed by the growing number of web sites that require user authentication. The OpenID system allows web users to create one online identity that can be used to access many different sites requiring authentication.
Traditionally, each web site that must verify the identity of its visitors has implemented its own authentication system. A person registering for such a site creates an account with certain login credentials, which usually consist of a username and password.
As web users take advantage of the services offered by the ever-increasing amount of web sites and applications, the number of sites, usernames, passwords a person must remember has grown by leaps and bounds.
The OpenID system assumes the responsibility of authenticating web users. An OpenID provider allows a person to create their own digital identity in the provider’s OpenID system, and then serves to authenticate that identity for any site that supports OpenID. Any web site may then add support for OpenID authentication, eliminating the need to invent their own registration and login procedures.
A web users registering for or logging into an OpenID-enabled site does not need to create a new account with a username and password. Instead, the person can simply enter their OpenID. The site will then contact the OpenID provider, and the OpenID provider will take over the rest of the authentication process. The OpenID provider evaluates the user’s login credentials, notifies the originating site of login success or failure, and then returns the user to the originating site.
If the OpenID login was a success, the person will be granted access to the originating site. If this is the first time this person has logged into that site, they may be asked to enter more information to flesh out their profile or customize their settings.
If you are increasingly confounded by the amount of usernames and passwords you need to remember, support OpenID by creating your own digital identity. The official OpenID site has a list of OpenID providers from whom you can get an OpenID.
1 response
February 6th, 2008
A first introduction to OpenID « YC’s ramblings says:
[...] that!). Some manageable primers, perhaps a step up from this one can be found here, here, here, and here. You may also find some good blog posts through Planet OpenID. [...]
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