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Introduction to Identity Selectors

An Identity Selector is an application that lets users manage their identity information and their online relationships with Relying Parties and Identity Providers. A Relying Party (RP) is the web site, application or service that requires identity information to authenticate and the user. The Identity Provider (IdP) is a third party that authenticates identity information and creates security tokens that the user can share with the Relying Party.

Identity Selectors allow users to access Web-based resources without having to manage a multitude of user names and passwords. Likewise, businesses no longer have to maintain a database of user identity information that can be inaccurate, out-of-date, and vulnerable to misuse, thus reducing risk and liability and enhancing agility.

Identity Selectors also give the user control over exactly what identity information is released to each Relying Party. And finally, Identity Selectors provide users with a consistent user interface and better user experience.