Source Code, Stronger Authentication Support Passport

In an effort to popularize Passport as a platform for user authentication, Microsoft will make freely available the source code for Passport Manager, the server component that Web sites need to implement Passport. This will enable ISVs to port Passport Manager to other operating systems and to build Passport authentication into applications. Microsoft is also making Passport authentication stronger by providing new tools for end users and working with partners. Microsoft believes these moves will help popularize Passport among corporations and help stave off the Liberty Alliance, which recently released an open-source tool for creating Liberty-compliant applications.

Open Source Helps ISVs Support Passport

Beginning in Nov. 2002, Microsoft will license the source code for Passport Manager, a server-side COM object that companies must install to implement the Passport authentication service on their Web sites. The source code will be available for free under Microsoft’s Shared Source License, and companies will be able to modify or redistribute it as part of commercial products.