Websites using Openid

Okay, let s break down OpenID, covering its overview, revenue model (or lack thereof), alternatives, pricing (again, often free), and customer care details.

1. OpenID Overview

• What is OpenID? OpenID is an open, decentralized authentication protocol. It allows users to use a single set of login credentials (like a username and password) across multiple websites. Instead of creating separate accounts for each website, users can authenticate through their chosen OpenID provider.
• How It Works:
  • A user selects their OpenID provider (often a service they already use like Google, Microsoft, or a custom provider).
  • When a user tries to log into a website that supports OpenID, they re redirected to their OpenID provider.
  • They authenticate with their provider.
  • The provider sends a verification token back to the website, confirming the user s identity.
  • The user is then logged into the website.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Decentralized: No single authority controls the OpenID system. Users and providers are free to choose their preferred options.
  • Federated Identity: Users manage their identity with their chosen provider, not with each website.
  • Open Standard: OpenID is not owned by any company, it is an open standard managed by an open source community
  • User-Centric: Puts the user in control of their identity.

• Use Cases:

  • Website logins
  • Single sign-on (SSO) solutions
  • Applications where user identity needs to be verified

2. Revenue Model (or Lack Thereof)

• OpenID Itself is Free: The core OpenID protocol is open source and free to use. There are no licensing fees or per-transaction costs associated with using it.
• No Direct Revenue for the Protocol: OpenID itself doesn t generate revenue. The organizations that develop and manage the protocol do so as a community or through open source initiatives, not for direct financial gain.
• Potential Revenue for Providers: While OpenID is free, some companies offering OpenID as a service (the Identity Providers) may generate revenue. For example, Google, Microsoft, and other providers generate revenue from their core business, and authentication services may be offered as part of larger packages.
• Why it s Free: OpenID aims to solve a problem (user authentication) in a decentralized way. Its value is in its adoption and utility, not in direct revenue generation from the protocol itself.

3. Alternatives to OpenID

OpenID has evolved and become less commonly used as a standalone identity system. Here are some common alternatives:

• OAuth 2.0: A protocol for authorization (granting access to resources) often used with OpenID Connect.
• OpenID Connect (OIDC): Built on top of OAuth 2.0, it provides an identity layer, adding user information (claims) to the authentication process. OIDC has largely replaced OpenID because it provides a more robust security framework.
• SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language): A protocol for exchanging authentication and authorization data between security domains. More commonly used in enterprise settings.
• Social Logins: Using login credentials from social media platforms like Google, Facebook, Apple, Twitter, etc. These often use OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect under the hood.
• Passwordless Authentication: Techniques that don t rely on passwords, such as magic links, one-time codes via email/SMS, or biometrics.
• Custom Account Systems: Many websites still use a custom approach, managing usernames and passwords directly in their system. This requires more development and security maintenance on their part.

4. Pricing (Typically Free)

• OpenID Protocol: As mentioned earlier, the protocol itself is entirely free. There are no usage fees, no subscriptions, and no licensing costs.
• OpenID Providers: Using a well-known OpenID provider like Google or Microsoft is often free for basic authentication. They don t directly charge for authenticating users on websites.
• Custom OpenID Providers/Software: If you are going to host your own OpenID provider and want to use a commercial solution, that will involve costs for software or subscription based on usage.
• Third-Party Authentication Services: Services that implement OpenID Connect or similar protocols may have a pricing structure. This can include tiered plans based on the number of users, features used, or other factors. However, the underlying OpenID protocol is still free.

5. Customer Care Details

• No Central Customer Care: There is no central support team for the OpenID protocol. Because it is an open standard.
• Provider-Specific Support: If you re using a particular OpenID provider (e.g., Google, Microsoft), their existing support channels will be relevant if you have an issue with authentication.
• Community Support: The OpenID community can often provide assistance via forums, mailing lists, and documentation.
• Vendor Support: If you re using a specific service or tool that implements the protocol, that vendor is the primary source for customer support. If you are using your own custom system or self-hosted software, your own development team is the primary source for maintenance and support.
• Resources:
  • OpenID Foundation: The official website for OpenID, contains information, technical specifications, and community resources.
  • Provider Documentation: Each identity provider has its own documentation, covering setup and troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

• OpenID is a free and decentralized authentication protocol.
• It doesn t have a direct revenue model; its value is in its adoption and usefulness.
• It has largely been superseded by OpenID Connect.
• Pricing is typically free at the protocol level, with potential costs for specific service implementations or provider features.
• Customer care depends on the providers or services you use rather than being available through a central authority.

If you have any other questions or want to dive deeper into a particular aspect of OpenID or its alternatives, let me know!