OpenID : Java Glossary

an open source password scheme so that you can use the same userid/password on many different sites. The lastest version is called OpenID Connect. There are also schemes to automatically log you in on selected sites. Once I have logged into in of the OpenID implementors (e.g. Yahoo) openid.net knows my IP (Internet Protocol). That means I am effectively logged on to any site that accepts OpenID. My IP is all they need. IP acts like an automatic temporary password. I don’t need to keep respecifying my password.

Google no longer supports OpenID.

Facebook seems to be supplanting OpenID. OpenID is almost defunct. Unfortunately, when you login with Facebook the site will use much more of the Facebook information than they have any logical right to use. They will typically also acquire the right to post stuff on your wall and pester your friends. It is thus better to set up individual accounts or use Google for a global logon ID.

Google, WordPress, blogger, Yahoo, Flickr etc. all act as OpenIDs.

OpenID itself no longer issues openIDs. It is for openID implementors to implement the service and co-ordinate data.