Federated identity graphic (SAML, OpenID, WS-*, more...)

Originally posted on identitysander on WordPress: Federated identity graphic (SAML, OpenID, WS-*, more...). This Ghost site is now the canonical home for this material. But you should only go to see it there if you want a laugh about how silly websites looked then. It's a time capsule now.

I've got an idea in my head I can't shake.  I'd like to make a picture that will display as simply as possibly the whole landscape of "federation".  Right away, it runs into problems because that world does not adequately capture the space anymore.  The term federated identity seems better.  Every major identity project I've come upon in the last 6 months has had a "federation" component.  Some are looking to ease bringing in new users via M&A.  Some are thinking about people visiting their public websites.  The only thing they all seem to have in common is they are all very confused about their options.  The confusion is not surprising.  There are so many options.  Many of the Microsoft centered clients that Quest sees on a regular basis are thinking about ADFS and Geneva (most still call the whole Microsoft next generation federated identity Geneva even thought they are aware it has it's new official set of names).  Everyone is talking about SAML and many about OpenID.  So my thought was to make a picture to use as a discussion tool.  Love to get thoughts here or at @jonathansander.  My first, rough attempt is here: