The global i-name registrars, Cordance and NeuStar, certify i-brokers (such as 2idi) who register i-names (such as http://public.xdi.org/=kim.cameron) in the XRI environment. While the registrars and brokers need massively scaleable i-name management tools on an enterprise level, they also need to offer the end-user, the i-name holders, a friendly, easily-navigated interface to manage their associated attributes. The value of the i-name identity system stands or falls on the basis of utility to the end-user. Once the XRI environment is in place,applications must be developed that offer a combination of convenience and security to end-users. This is the first step in establishing the infrastructure that will pave way for web 2.0, an identity-enabled network.
We have mapped a few of the many possible scenarios that could offer end-users an inducement to enter the i-name environment.
Suppose Bob wishes to make a credit card transaction on the Web today, buying a few CDs from amazon.com <http://amazon.com>. He must sign onto the amazon site and offer his credit card number. If the connection is insecure and the data is intercepted or he falls victim to a phishing scam, his credit is compromised.
In Web 2.0, =bob will no longer share his information with any service provider. He can sign on with his i-name and make the transaction. The vendor can resolve the i-name and contact his i-broker for validation on the fly. The i-broker validates identity and transfers the cc information to the vendor in a encrypted, machine-readable, single-use format. There is less chance of security being compromised and the i-name need not recall and enter the tedious details of credit card numbers on every transaction.
An i-name holder cannot be spammed and the holder can change any or all attributes without being forced to individually inform other parties on the approved contact list. If an i-name holder changes e-mail address or phone number for instance, the holder need not inform every contact individually because the changes in attribute are dynamically synchronized and updated. Any contact of an i-name holder can always connect through the personal gateway of the i-name.
At the same time, the i-name forms a barrier against spam. If a party who is not on the list of approved contacts wishes to contact an i-name, the party is directed to the personal gateway and invited to leave a message with valid contact details. The i-name holder can choose whether to revert or not.
Since the i-name system is massively scaleable and will eventually expand to include entire communities and organizations (perhaps even nations), it will eventually function as a "super-web", sitting on top of the DNS and phone networks of today. |
