Microsoft pushes InfoCard for secure online ID

Seattle PI | at | by Mike

Microsoft is set to take another crack at creating a uniform way for people to log on to Web sites, conduct transactions and prove their identities online.

Code-named InfoCard, the project will be outlined by Microsoft executives at the RSA computer security conference here this week. It reflects a change in approach for the company after its Passport initiative fell far short of the original goal of becoming a universal method of identification on the Internet.

Unlike Passport, the InfoCard project is meant to work with a variety of online identity providers, not just one. Microsoft hopes to persuade governmental agencies, banks, online services and others to issue digital cards that people could use to establish different levels of identity for themselves at online sites.