This vision-discussed in the article " Microsoft's Vision for an Identity Metasystem " explains interactions based on interoperability standards such as WS-Security, WS-Trust, WS-MetadataExchange, WS-SecurityPolicy, and other WS-* protocols. These protocols enable applications and services to communicate their security requirements via security policy and to transfer digital identities safely and securely. The identity metasystem vision describes a simple and consistent experience for users to identify themselves to applications and services while also identifying the target site to the user in order to reduce risks associated with sending private information to unauthorized or malicious sites.Windows CardSpace™ (formerly known as "InfoCard"), released with Windows Vista™ and the Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.0, plays an important role in this identity metasystem. Windows CardSpace replaces traditional username and password authentication with a tool that helps users better manage their digital identities and helps shield users from various forms of identity attack such as phishing.
