New Ping Identity Apache CardSpace Module Brings Information Cards to the Lamp Stack

February 7, 2007; 09:04 AM
Ping Identity Corporation today announced the immediate availability of an open source module that allows Apache-hosted applications to use Windows CardSpace Information Cards for authentication. The Apache Authentication Module for CardSpace can be downloaded from http://www.SourceID.org, the open source federated identity management site sponsored by Ping Identity.

The Apache Authentication Module for CardSpace allows applications using an Apache Web server to use Information Cards as an additional authentication mechanism. It allows LAMP-based Web applications written in Perl or PHP to act as CardSpace relying parties (RP) by means of simple configuration. The module is responsible for decrypting the token submitted by the CardSpace identity selector, retrieving the claims and making the claims available for the application’s use.

"This is an amazing new piece in the identity puzzle,” said Kim Cameron, Chief Architect for Identity and Access, Microsoft Corporation. “Now the benefits from Information Cards and Windows CardSpace can be extended to the full group of Apache users to enable increased security against phishing attacks.”

“Kim Cameron and Microsoft have done a fantastic job at identifying and tackling some of the toughest security issues surrounding Internet identity,” said Andre Durand, CEO, Ping Identity. “Today’s announcement is the first of several we will be making about adding Windows CardSpace and Information Card support to our product line.”

Ping Identity has released this module under the Open Source License 2.1, the same license it has used for all its previous SourceID offerings. The company plans to submit this module to the Apache Foundation in the near future. While the initial release of this module supports Linux, a Windows version will follow shortly.

Today’s news comes on the heels of Ping Identity’s announcement yesterday that PingLogin 2, a new major release of its consumer authentication framework, is now available. New features in PingLogin 2 include enhanced deployment, session management, clustering, interoperability and administration capabilities.

About Ping Identity Corporation

Ping Identity is uniquely dedicated to delivering Internet Identity Management software and services that are transforming how organizations work with employees, customers and business partners. Our open and flexible approach offers best-of-breed software complemented with best-in-class service that exceeds the ever-expanding needs of customers like Boeing, Comcast, E*TRADE, New York Life and the US Department of Justice. For more information, please visit http://www.pingidentity.com, call Ping Identity toll-free at + 1 877.898.2905 or +1 303.468.2882.