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c#java.netsecurityjaas

Is there a reason why software developers aren't externalizing authorization?


The value proposition of externalizing identity is starting to increase where many sites now accept OpenID, CardSpace or federated identity. However, many developers haven't yet taken the next step to externalize authorization and use approaches based on XACML.

Is the reason lack of awareness or something else? How would you expect to learn about XACML-based approaches to software development?

Please note that I am asking about authorization, not authentication.


Solution

  • I think the prospect of externalize authorization is a much more difficult thing than externalizing authentication (OpenID, CardSpace, etc.). This is mainly due to the fact that authorization is much more application specific. What Person A is authorized to do in my application he may not be able to do in your application, and that's even assuming there's some common parrallel between my application and your's, which most likely there won't be.

    I don't want to say that externalizing authorization will never be done, but I honestly have a tough time coming up with reasons why you'd really want to do that. Maybe for a suite of applications that work side by side, but again, that would most likely be supported internally, rather than externally.