Google and Microsoft Support OpenID
30. November 2007 – 23:59 byWell, that could have been the headlines on all major tech and news sites today. However there are only news about it on tech blogs. And if you have been reading just the headline of this blog post and have tried logging in to Google Reader or authenticating to Windows Update with your OpenID, I am sorry, you just can’t do that. At least not yet.
OpenID Comments on Blogger
Google has enabled OpenID based commenting on the draft version of its blogging platform Blogger last night. Yes, it’s just comments on a testing platform at the moment and some people might be disappointed. Somehow I am also disappointed a little bit because this isn’t really breaking news that would push OpenID into another dimension of publicity and recognition.
On the other hand I am not aware of any announcement from Google that it would support OpenID soon; according to John Panzer Blogger will also be enabled as an Identity Provider soon. So this also comes as a little surprise and you have to start somewhere, don’t you?
Also note that Blogger is not just providing a login box for OpenID but a menu which lists other providers including competitors (WordPress, LiveJournal). I think that’s important because it makes users realise that OpenID is more widespread than they probably thought.
Experimental OpenID Server
Microsoft has launched an experimental OpenID server at inkblotpassword.com that is using inkblots to create a password for the server. This sounds unfamiliar or even strange at first but it is a rather unique way creating and remembering passwords. Actually it works well.
Though it is way to early to make predictions on Microsoft’s future use of OpenID. It is stated that it’s only a research project and …
For now, consider it an unreliable, insecure service run by a couple research coneheads in their spare time, and trust it accordingly.
Marshall Kirkpatrick on OpenID
Today Marshall Kirkpatrick has written a lengthy post on OpenID at Read/Write Web which is worth reading. I think he is spot on with his criticism of OpenID’s lack of some strong marketing efforts. Mostly OpenID is still a geek thing which is all Greek to most ordinary users. Therefore efforts to market OpenID have to increase, not just by a single company but by the entire community. Actually there is a marketing group on the OpenID mailing list which could do just that but hardly any news are reported. Makes me wonder if it is still existing. 
6 Responses to “Google and Microsoft Support OpenID”
I like Open ID but I admit they have to improve their marketing efforts to not just be a geek thing anymore and really get some momentum.
By Tina Anderson on Feb 29, 2008
I don’t know why being a geek is such a bad thing…
Anyway, I support this OpenID approach. People need to try different things in order for us to evolve with our technological advances.
Well done to them for trying.
By Nikki on Mar 6, 2008
Well, I kind of agree with Tina. A URL as login is strange to many people. They are used to usernames and passwords and/or email. Though I really hope, people are getting used to URLs as well.
By Carsten Pötter on Mar 6, 2008