Identity management and its impact on federation in a system-of-systems context

In its simplest form, identity management deals with how users are identified and authorized across networks. In the case of federated identity management, these networks cross system and organizational boundaries. To manage identity in this context, a cooperative contract is set up between multiple identity providers, using a decentralized approach. Establishing an identity management strategy within a single entity is straightforward. However, implementing identity management in a system of systems context presents unique challenges. This paper explains identity management in a federated context, presents the challenges of federated identity management, and provides some guidelines for successful federated identity management.