Identity Providers (IdPs) are systems that create, maintain, and manage identity information for principals while providing authentication services to relying applications within a network. In essence, they verify the identity of users trying to access a network or application.
IdPs are essential in the realm of digital identity, forming a crucial part of Single Sign-On (SSO) systems, federated identity systems, and many other online security infrastructures. They allow for streamlined access management, reducing the need for multiple logins and enhancing user experience.
In the modern digital world, establishing and maintaining digital identity has become a pressing issue for individuals and organizations alike. That’s where Identity Providers, commonly known as IdPs, come into play. This blog post will dive into the concept of IdPs, why they are used, their capabilities, and some notable examples of both open-source and commercial options available today.