What is OpenID?

What is OpenID?
Now days it’s hot thing. Here are few key points related to OpenID:

  • What is OpenID:
    OpenID eliminates the need for multiple usernames across different websites, simplifying your online experience. You get to choose the OpenID Provider that best meets your needs and most importantly that you trust. At the same time, your OpenID can stay with you, no matter which Provider you move to. And best of all, the OpenID technology is not proprietary and is completely free.
  • Why we need it & who owns it:
    The OpenID Foundation was formed to assist the open source model by providing a legal entity to be the steward for the community by providing needed infrastructure and generally helping to promote and support expanded adoption of OpenID. So nobody owns it.
  • Sites supporting OpenID:
    http://openiddirectory.com/
  • List of OpenID providers:
    http://wiki.openid.net//Public_OpenID_providers