InfoCard to Aid Online Log-On

Better security and user convenience are goals of a forthcoming Windows service code-named InfoCard, a planned user interface for user log-on and data submission to online services. Available in previews of Windows Vista and in the WinFX Runtime Components on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, InfoCard could help prevent “phishing” thefts of user data and other threats that plague Web-based services today. However, InfoCard will need to recruit developers to deliver compatible client applications and online services, and key support infrastructure is at least two years away.

Consistency for Online Log-On and User Data

InfoCard is a Windows service triggered by a client application whenever a user needs to log on to or submit data to an online service. For example, the user of a mapping application might employ InfoCard to log on to an online service for map data, or to submit a home postal code to the service. To log on or submit data, the user selects from a list of digital “cards” stored on her computer. (See the illustration “Selecting a Card with InfoCard“.) Each card represents a set of log-on credentials (e.g., username and password) or a collection of other personal data which the user can submit to a service.