Another step was taken by Janrain this week to go beyond its origins as a provider of social sign-ons.
Identity Groups was launched by the consumer identity management provider, which allow device and account owners to set up their own private groups, with various levels of access.
It’s basically a kind of consumer-controlled version of Microsoft’s Active Directory. Director of Product Marketing Sven Dummer said that, as far as his company is aware, this is the first service that gives end users the ability to set up and manage their own identity groups across any subscribing device or service.
In a typical use case, the owner of a home alarm system could give varying levels of access to other family members, as well as the alarm system repair service and a handyman who makes monthly visits.