Getting the Most From ICANNWiki.org by Using Your OpenID iname.
By Chuck Kisselburg
In the ICANN “community” we understand the concept of having a web presence on the Internet through the use of domain names, or URLs. Each domain name, or URL resolves to a single, unique number. That number allows us to travel somewhere on the net.
While people are familiar with using domain names as “identity” for corporations, people have also started using domain names as their “identity” or brand, by bringing people to their personal website, or using their personal domain name as a means for providing an e-mail address.
With that said, we are used to domain names and we understand how domain names can associate with brand or identity. Now, let’s take this a step further. Let’s take the same basic concept and wrap it into one’s OWN personal identity. When we go to sites on the web do we use our domain names to long in? No. That’s because we use domain names to reach a destination, not use once we have arrived at our destination. If the domain name is about us, we use the domain name to bring people to learn about us. Or shall I say the royal “Me“?
However, what about the concept of using an identifier, like a domain name that resolves to a number FAR longer, thus more secure than a simple IP address, an address that represents you when you go to various sites around the network?
That is what OpenID is all about. You obtain your own OpenID, or multiple OpenIDs and use them at OpenID enabled sites. This way once you establish your OpenID, you don’t have to worry about creating username/password accounts on the various systems that are already OpenID enabled. So once you use a traditional domain name to arrive at your destination on the net, you use your OpenID to validate with that destination who YOU are. Click here to understand the process of verifying you are who you say you are.
If OpenID is new to you and you are pondering who has enabled OpenID when accepting visitors from the Internet, know that many sites have, and are beginning to support OpenID. Among those are Yahoo, AOL, Plaxo, Microsoft, IBM, Sun, the BBC and France’s Orange Telecom. So, yes, OpenID is hear to stay. ICANNWiki.org has been a long time supporter and early adoptor of OpenID.
Ok, you may say this gets me into sites, “Cool!” I can manage my own identity? “Way Cool!” I don’t have to keep track of usernames and passwords for each site I go to? (*faint*) But what about applications? Are there applications, not sites, but actual applications that run on OpenID? Yes, as a matter of fact. Since February, when I added basic structure to the wiki I added applications that ONLY accept OpenID.
You may have noticed areas where simple claims can be made with people either agreeing or disagreeing with the claim. This is a great way for people to make a short statement about something in the community and gain a quick pulse on what people may be thinking. Some examples as found on ICANNWiki.org include:
Network Solutions’ move to shut down access to a site that was about to rally support for banning the Koran in Holland was the correct move; especially with cartoons of the Profit in several European newspapers were met with outrage in 2006. Results? YES = 1, NO = 5.
The best way for me to develop my domain name is to develop a business plan for that domain name. Results? YES = 3, NO = 2
If OpenID is a way for me to manage my identity, what about security? Inames is the most secure form of the OpenID movement. With inames, the number generated for you is your number FOREVER. It can never be transferred or appended.
So if you have not obtained your OpenID yet, I encourage you to do so so that you can participate more fully with, and get more from the wiki. NeuStar, together with 1id are allowing you to pick up your ICANNWiki community OpenID iname by going here or obtaining your own personal iname by going here.
Have fun and welcome to the world of OpenID!
Add comment April 29th, 2008