innovative technology services
Eduserv builds an identity management layer for Microsoft CardSpace
Eduserv has developed the identity management component of Microsoft DreamSpark, a website aimed at student software developers.
Eduserv’s access and identity management solutions, including Classic Athens and Open Athens, are used by more than 4 million students in the
In January 2008 Eduserv was approached by Microsoft to build an identity management layer for a site called DreamSpark, where aspiring student developers can download the latest Microsoft software. Using Windows CardSpace, Windows Communication Foudnation, Microsoft Visual Studio, 2008 Professional Edition development system and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Eduserv developed a solution that has been used by thousands of students.
The Requirement
The main challenge for Eduserv was to integrate CardSpace technology with OpenAthensSP, our protocol-independent environment for processing the data associated with identities. We had already successfully deployed solutions that take advantage of the latest advances in digital security, based on custom development tools and languages such as Linux and open source. This was now a great opportunity to learn about the latest card-based authentication technologies, as Edward J. Zedlewski, Chief Information Officer and Deputy chief Executive at Eduserv, explains: “We were especially keen to build a solution based on Windows CardSpace technology because of its widespread availability and the ease of use it offers to all students in the
The Solution
The first step in developing the CardSpace solutions was for Eduserv’s developers to spend a few weeks working side-by-side with their Microsoft colleagues.
Zedlewski reports that, “We have to be versatile enough to develop the solution, taking into account all the technologies that our customers use. Working alongside Microsoft on a new implementation presented us with a chance to enhance the skills and experience that can be used in other projects and to access other sites.”
By February 2008 the Eduserv team was ready to start deploying the CardSpace component of DreamSpark including both an identity provisioning service and a Home Domain Discovery Service.
The Technology
Now, when a student logs on to the DreamSpark site he or she uses the CardSpace user interface, which displays the user’s stored identities as visual information cards, including the student ID card. The user selects the information card and the CardSpace software contacts the issuer to obtain a digitally signed XML token that contains the requested information. After the user’s credentials have been validated, the student is automatically rerouted from the institution to the download page.
To integrate CardSpace into OpenAthens SP, the Eduserv team used other Microsoft developer software, including Communication Foundation, a set of .NET technologies for building and running connected systems, as well as the latest application programming interfaces associated with the .NET Framework 3.5.
Eduserv can easily replicate the CardSpace service for other organisations keen to attract students with special offers for the academic sector.
More information
To find out more about this project or any of Eduserv’s access and identity management solutions, please email Product Manager
