In search of a common denominator

Identity management is deeply embedded in universities’ processes. If the Swiss edu-ID is to succeed, it must be aligned with their identity and access management systems and their administrative processes. A critical review of the concepts by identity providers and service operators is needed in order to find a practicable common denominator. The infrastructure should be future-proof and should bring simplification and other benefits for individual institutions and the community as a whole. To this end, it is important to keep a close eye on other initiatives in the identity field, identify synergies and create interfaces.

No immediate benefit in many cases

Since the Swiss edu-ID includes personal details, additional issues arise in terms of data protection and security. The focus, however, is clearly on the needs of the universities involved and adapting the Swiss edu-ID to their structures.

Not all members of the working groups can benefit immediately from their efforts. Some universities will only see added value over the longer term. This makes it all the more crucial to ensure that all current and future working groups bring together visionaries and grounded realists alike to work on the transition from SWITCHaai to the Swiss edu-ID. It poses a challenge for every institution, which is why it is supported by the Advisory Board.

As an infrastructure project, it is also receiving support from swissuniversities. SWITCH is working with the universities on this forward-looking project to contribute substantially to Switzerland’s standing as a centre of research. Version 1.0 of the Swiss edu-ID went into operation in March 2015. It is used primarily for self-registration and only includes a small number of features. This makes it ideal for pilot projects and for firming up the architecture of Version 2.0, which will enable institutions to add new attributes to existing identities and grant – or refuse – access to services.

The release of Version 2.0 is not far off and will mark a key milestone on the way to establishing the new digital identity. This is only possible thanks to the expertise and real-world experience of the working group members.