Microsoft is developing a portal-like interface for its identity management platform that will let users self-manage their identity information and provision network services. The features are part of Gemini, the code name for the next version of Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS). Microsoft officials offered the first peek at Gemini at this week"s Digital ID World conference. Microsoft said Gemini likely would ship at the same time as Longhorn server in 2007, but could be released as early as 2006.
Microsoft says Gemini"s highlight is self-service provisioning features that let users maintain their own identity information and give delegation of authority to managers, department heads and others to create and delete accounts for select user sets. The intent is to make it easier and more cost-effective for customers to manage user identity and access by pushing out those responsibilities to users with a vested interest in the information.