Abstract: In accordance with various aspects, the present invention relates to methods and systems for sending an identity information document comprising selecting identity information from a self-identity information store for inclusion in the identity information document. The selected identity information is read from a self-identity information store. The identity information document is generated to include the selected identity information and one or more keys, and signed using a key associated with one of the keys included in the identity information document. The identity information document is then sent to a recipient. Receiving an identity information document comprises receiving a signed identity information document from an originator. A determination is made as to whether identity information in the identity information document is reliable. The identity information is saved in a recognized identity information store if the identity information is determined to be reliable.

Abstract: A system for identifying principals within a computing environment is disclosed. The system includes principal objects containing identity claims. The principal objects are used by computer processes within the environment to perform tasks related to the association of principals to activated resource objects. Exemplary principals include individuals, a group of individuals, organizations and computer modules and devices. Each identity claim uniquely identifies a specific principal within a particular scheme. To accomplish this, each identity claim includes an assertion that specifies an identification string unique to a principal within the associated scheme. Exemplary schemes for an individual include email accounts, telephone numbers, credit card account numbers and social security numbers. Thus, exemplary identification strings for an individual are specific email addresses, specific telephone numbers, etc.

Abstract: In the present invention, data relating to principals known to a computer system is centrally stored and objects having a standardized principal application programming interface (API) for finding, managing and accessing that data is provided to applications in lieu of having the applications independently store the principal data. The present invention eliminates the need for each application to create duplicate principal data. It also ensures that principal data are consistent throughout the applications on the computer system. In addition, the present invention allows any application with objects having the principal API to manage and change the principal data making such principal data easy to update. The principal API includes methods to find principals based on an identity reference to a principal or an identity claim that uniquely identifies the principal on computer system.

Abstract: In the present invention, data relating to principals known to a computer system is centrally stored and objects having a standardized principal application programming interface (API) for finding, managing and accessing that data is provided to applications in lieu of having the applications independently store the principal data. The present invention eliminates the need for each application to create duplicate principal data. It also ensures that principal data are consistent throughout the applications on the computer system. In addition, the present invention allows any application with objects having the principal API to manage and change the principal data making such principal data easy to update. The principal API includes methods to find principals based on an identity reference to a principal or an identity claim that uniquely identifies the principal on computer system.

Abstract: In the present invention, data relating to principals known to a computer system is centrally stored and objects having a standardized principal application programming interface (API) for finding, managing and accessing that data is provided to applications in lieu of having the applications independently store the principal data. The present invention eliminates the need for each application to create duplicate principal data. It also ensures that principal data are consistent throughout the applications on the computer system. In addition, the present invention allows any application with objects having the principal API to manage and change the principal data making such principal data easy to update. The principal API includes methods to find principals based on an identity reference to a principal or an identity claim that uniquely identifies the principal on computer system.

Abstract: An identity system and method that stores identity information related to different principals and stores the identities on different or disparate systems such that the different systems can use the identities. A synchronization process synchronizes identity information and rules based on identity information between a primary computer system and a disparate secondary computer system. Accordingly, the secondary computer system has a representative database of identity information following receipt of the converted information, wherein the representative database is representative of a primary database of identity information stored on the primary computer system. In order to synchronize a conversion may take place. The conversion process may be performed by a dedicated process designed for the secondary system. Alternatively, the conversion is performed by a generalized process using mapping tables designed to convert identity information into multiple different formats.

Abstract: A group certificate is used in a communication system to establish and recognize a group identity at a receiving system. Once a group identity is recognized, members of the group may be recognized based on membership certificates, or they may be recognized based on their own personal certificates separate from the group. In other words a member may be recognized based on trust by the recipient in the group or based on trust by the recipient in the member personally. Group identity information is created for inclusion in the group certificate. A group-signed group certificate is generated, and the certificate has as the group identity information, at least a first key, and a digital signature signed using a second key associated with the first key in the group certificate. The group-signed group certificate is sent to a receiving system to establish the group identity at the receiving system.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects, the present invention relates to methods and systems for sending an identity information document comprising selecting identity information from a self-identity information store for inclusion in the identity information document. The selected identity information is read from a self-identity information store. The identity information document is generated to include the selected identity information and one or more keys, and signed using a key associated with one of the keys included in the identity information document. The identity information document is then sent to a recipient. Receiving an identity information document comprises receiving a signed identity information document from an originator. A determination is made as to whether identity information in the identity information document is reliable. The identity information is saved in a recognized identity information store if the identity information is determined to be reliable.

Abstract: In the present invention, data relating to principals known to a computer system is centrally stored and objects having a standardized principal application programming interface (API) for finding, managing and accessing that data is provided to applications in lieu of having the applications independently store the principal data. The present invention eliminates the need for each application to create duplicate principal data. It also ensures that principal data are consistent throughout the applications on the computer system. In addition, the present invention allows any application with objects having the principal API to manage and change the principal data making such principal data easy to update. The principal API includes methods to find principals based on an identity reference to a principal or an identity claim that uniquely identifies the principal on computer system.

Abstract: A system for identifying principals within a computing environment is disclosed. The system includes principal objects containing identity claims. The principal objects are used by computer processes within the environment to perform tasks related to the association of principals to activated resource objects. Exemplary principals include individuals, a group of individuals, organizations and computer modules and devices. Each identity claim uniquely identifies a specific principal within a particular scheme. To accomplish this, each identity claim includes an assertion that specifies an identification string unique to a principal within the associated scheme. Exemplary schemes for an individual include email accounts, telephone numbers, credit card account numbers and social security numbers. Thus, exemplary identification strings for an individual are specific email addresses, specific telephone numbers, etc.

Abstract: An identity system and method that stores identity information related to different principals and stores the identities on different or disparate systems such that the different systems can use the identities. A synchronization process synchronizes identity information and rules based on identity information between a primary computer system and a disparate secondary computer system. Accordingly, the secondary computer system has a representative database of identity information following receipt of the converted information, wherein the representative database is representative of a primary database of identity information stored on the primary computer system. In order to synchronize a conversion may take place. The conversion process may be performed by a dedicated process designed for the secondary system. Alternatively, the conversion is performed by a generalized process using mapping tables designed to convert identity information into multiple different formats.