Blogger: Kevin Kampman
The Identity Services Work Group (ISWG) has been successful identifying issues and approaches for identity management technology interoperability. This ad-hoc effort has been going on for several years and represents an international community of enterprise users and vendors. As an example of its activities, the ISWG produced an architecture and initial use case for authorization. Burton Group has published two documents summarizing these efforts (subscription required): The Challenge of Identity Services, and Identity Services Architecture: Working Toward Consensus.
In 2009, the ISWG participants recognized the need to formalize their activities. After surveying related groups and a discussion of options at Burton Group’s Catalyst conference, the decision was made to approach the Kantara Initiative. Gavin Illingworth (Bank of Montreal) led this effort, assisted by Jeff Broberg (CA) and John Tolbert (Boeing).
On December 2nd, the formation of the Identity and Access Services Work Group (IAS-WG) was voted on and approved. Among the benefits to the former ISWG and to the Kantara Initiative are alignment with and influence over related identity efforts, access to a broader and more global constituency, an open discussion of challenges and solutions, and facilitation of group activities.
The unique interaction between enterprise customers and product vendors at the ISWG was productive, and it is gratifying to see the effort move forward based on its initial success. Former ISWG participants and new members are welcome to participate, and can contact Gavin (gavin.illingworth@bmo.com) or the Kantara Initiative for more information.
Comments