Thanks for visiting our web pages. They are intended to give you an overview of the challenges related to Identity Management that our project is addressing. We have picked up on key research done in previous EU IST projects to apply the concept of what we term "Virtual Identities" to the network, and to bridge this to other domains. Privacy as well as new opportunities for operators are two of our key interests.

This new view of user centricity provides a novel perspective: Identity as central for legal, business and network development trends. To enable this vision, SWIFT aims to build a cross-layer identity framework with emphasis on networks and services using identity also as key enabler to convergence. For the user, it will provide multiple personae and identity-based privacy across layers and a data model for new and dynamic business. Cross-layer usability features will be included, such as ubiquitous connectivity, user-centred mobility and single sign-on based on vertical and horizontal federation principles.

SWIFT will develop a standards aligned model for user data linked to identities or personae with the user in control of the information exchanged. It will separate management from resolution of identities at all layers, i.e. from the service to link, considering both privacy and “need-to-know” concerns.

SWIFT’s user-centric Id approach addresses three views:

1. users have complete control over privacy and disclosed information dependent on the service accessed
2. services can use a generic treatment of authentication, authorization, access control independent of the layer services managed by a unique identity
3. commercial players can leverage new business solutions for operator, service provider or 3rd parties through its federation approach.

As a STREP, SWIFT aims to primarily impact technology research and related standardization in the manufacturing and telecom operator domains. The consortium is balanced accordingly. The social and legal domain will be addressed by liaisons and cooperations.