Without breaking my gentleman’s agreement, I will try to provide some insight into one of the most interesting developments, not only in the Vancouver tech circles, but also in the world of online technology - SxipperÂ? (that’s right, little buddy!). I first stumbled upon Sxip and their vision for Identity 2.0Â? when I bumped into Dick Hardt’sÂ? (I envy anyone with their own Wikipedia entry)Â? OSCON 2005Â? presentation. I recommend that clip and the sequel, ‘Who’s the Dick onÂ? my site?’, from ETECH 2006.

Again, I am restricted in what I can talk about, but I can tip-toe around the subject using posts from the Identity 2.0 blog. At the end of September, Yahoo! released their BBAuthÂ? API. This allows developers toÂ? integrate a Yahoo! sign-on into their site - if you’re a member ofÂ? Yahoo!, you’re a memberÂ? of our site. This was described as Yahoo! joining in with Google’s silo building, and the post mentions the Microsoft Passport silo, as well.

With millions of users worldwide, these three Internet powerhouses are competing for users, and need to increase the dependency of their users on their properties. Unlike Passport and Google’s whatever, BBAuth allows third party developers to provide added value to the Yahoo! family of Internet properties. Obviously a smart move for Yahoo!, but what about for the new website? Well, anyone who’s attempted to bring their site to critical mass understands the challenges associated with this task, and building on the BBAuth platform essentially gives them a multi-million user headstart, at least potentially. If a user can sign on with a pre-existing Yahoo! account and avoid the hassle of filling out a form, remembering a new password, and creating yet another net-identity, it increases the likelihood of the user trying out the full site.

In the end, yes, it is a silo, but a mall is like a silo, and if the mall is big enough and provides everything you need in one convenient location, then you will choose to shop at that mall. If a new business wants you to shop their, they will get a spot in the mall. Same with big-box retail. People enjoy convenience and simplicity, and we are all programmed in a way that supports the BBAuth model. As I mentioned last night, the average user is still the average user.

Again, I have little I can actually say, but I will say that it is a great idea, it is second-generation Internet idea, and I think the best part is that in no way can I see this being monetized through online advertising, something that cannot be said about enough Web 2.0 companies. It’s interesting for me, a poweruser on the Internet that still uses Windows, still uses IE, and still think that I represent the norm as opposed to those who surrounded me last night, Mac and Firefox/Mozilla users.

What Sxipper is tackling is something that needs to be addressed, and it provides a creative and innovative solution. Is it the best solution? Maybe, but widescale adoption will be important. I look forward to the official release next month - I’m not sure if I’m even allowed to say that, which is why I don’t give the actual date. Congratulations to the entire Sxip team who has worked so hard at something that affects all Internet users.

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