One username, One password for all!

11Feb08

Finally, you can rest assure that you would not need to remember dozens of passwords for various websites anymore. The one ID for all system, dubbed OpenID, is currently being tested (in beta version) by various websites including giant companies such as Yahoo and Google.

Microsoft had also supported the system though they had yet to implement it on their website. Previously, Microsoft had tried to introduce a similar system known as ‘Microsoft Passport’ or now known as ‘Windows Live ID’ but it was only implemented within Microsoft Services. OpenID now embraces services and websites worldwide.

Yahoo is now allowing its current users to have their Yahoo ID as OpenID. Google now allows comments to be submitted via OpenID log in on its Blogger (blogspot.com). And currently there are over tens of thousands of websites offer this one ID login system.

HOW TO GET ONE?

You might have already own one without realising it!

If you have registered with website such as AOL, LiveJournal, WordPress, Vox or Technorati, your ID had already been automatically registered as OpenID.

You can use your current username and password for those website mentioned above to access any other websites that support OpenID. For example, you can use your WordPress ID and password to post comments on Blogger.com (previously, you’ll need a blogger account or Google account to do so).

You can also register for a new OpenID via several sites that host the registration: eg. Verisign Personal Identity Provider

WHERE TO USE OpenID?

Watch out for logo depicted above. Any website that support OpenID would display the logo above.

For more info: visit OpenID.net

For BBC article on OpenID: Password pain looks set to ease

Though I can’t wait for more website to be accessible via OpenID: eg. Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, WordPress etc… I’m still a little concern about its ‘hacker safe’ quality. It is not clear yet how that works, but for now, thumbs up for the bold initiative and quick implementation! The system will surely improve from time to time~