If you're tired of trying to remember a hundred user IDs and passwords to do business on-line, network identity management might be the answer. You log on once, and the information is passed from site to site. Identify yourself to . . .
If you're tired of trying to remember a hundred user IDs and passwords to do business on-line, network identity management might be the answer. You log on once, and the information is passed from site to site. Identify yourself to an airline's Web site to book a flight, then go elsewhere to reserve a hotel room without re-entering personal information. It's a real time-saver -- if you're comfortable about how information is shared among on-line merchants.

There are two significant identity management plans today. Microsoft Corp. operates Passport, a centrally managed system that identifies visitors to the company's on-line properties as well as the eBay auction site, coffee chain Starbucks and more than 100 other Web sites.

The other option is the Liberty Alliance, a consortium of technology vendors, financial services companies, merchants and others. Michael Barrett, president of Liberty Alliance's management board, says his group is not competing with Microsoft.

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