Download Windows CardSpace 2.0 Beta 2 Refresh

Earlier this month Microsoft made available for download updated variants of its federated identity product, releasing additional development milestones for early adopters. Those interested in the Redmond company’s federated identity solutions have already been able to read on Softpedia details about the evolution of the Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) 2.0 (formerly codenamed Geneva Server), to the Release Candidate (RC) stage. It was along with the AD FS 2.0 RC that the software giant also introduced a Beta refresh of the end user component of its user access platform.

“The Beta 2 release of Windows CardSpace 2.0 has been refreshed with a variety of fixes and improvements for working seamlessly with AD FS 2.0. We’ve improved interoperability and added a feature for automatic logon to the STS. The release can [already] be downloaded, and for more information about streamlining authentication with CardSpace, you can explore the topic Automatically Distribute Information Cards by Using Group Policy,” revealed a member of the Geneva team.

According to Microsoft, developers and IT professionals can leverage Windows CardSpace 2.0 in combination with the company’s user access platform in order to streamline access not only to applications, but also to additional systems via an open claims-based model. Customers stand to benefit from enhanced methods of navigating logins and administering information sharing. Microsoft has stressed on multiple occasions that CardSpace 2.0 is tailored to the industry Identity Metasystem strategy designed to achieve open and interoperable identity.

“Windows CardSpace is client software that makes it possible for users to provide their digital identity to online services in a more simple and secure way. It is an online virtual information card—an ID card for the Internet—that helps prove a user's identity, and it is very difficult to fake or steal,” Microsoft explained. 

Windows CardSpace 2.0 Beta 2 is available for download here.
Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) 2.0 (previously known as Geneva Server) release candidate (RC) is available for download here.