The OpenID Advantage
First of all, allow us to clarify. We love openID. Maintaining a million different identities is a big pain and we’re glad people are trying to fix it. So OpenID is the greatest thing since sliced bread. But what happens if someone steals your password? Now, I’m not saying security by obscurity is a better option (I know that should be on a shirt), but it is amusing to think that a compromised openID account could be very damaging. We think that fact is T-Shirt worthy.
Its interesting to note the traction that OpenID is gaining the industry. 37 signals recently added the option to use OpenID to access some of their online hosted applications. applications using openID. They also have a good explentation page of the details of OpenID to get you started. Also, Phil Windley, a former CTO for the State of Utah, often talks about identity issues and openID in particular if you’re interested in reading more on the subject.
So, build your new websites to be openID aware, and in the meantime wear our OpenID Advantage t-shirt to encourage other smart people to mitigate or eliminate this problem.