The Identity Manifesto: Seven Points on the Future of Identity

Moving Identity from Geek to Chic and Four Steps on How to Get There

Identity often means many things to many people for good reasons. Traditional definitions for the identity and access management professional have revolved around standards for authentication, access, authorization and management.

With the consumerization of technology, organizations realize that identity must have relevancy. Why? The world can no longer be defined as business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C). In fact, the shift to a people-to-people (P2P) world changes the view on B2B and B2C as roles and relationships adjust with context. The differences between B2B and B2C are contextual. From customer experience to the future of work, Internet of things, matrix commerce and digital marketing, identity plays a key role in unifying people, process, technology and ecosystems.

As the battle for identity continues, commerce vendors, financial service entities, governments, hardware companies, social networks, software companies and telecom concerns seek the trust of users. The result – a patchwork of trust agents will emerge to provide third-party trusted services. Trust is the currency that enables identity. Transparency is the requirement. The reputation economy foreshadows a world of authentic commerce or business.

Constellation recommends that market leaders take a C-A-R-E-based approach when approaching the future of identity. Consider social logins for the enterprise. Ask first when dealing with privacy. Raise the identity theft bar. Encourage emergence of independent trust agents.