1. not so new. 'Microsoft Passport' had/has (is it still around) the same premise. Frankly, a virtual world passport would have to have similar information, which opens credit card information and other things to exposure - much like MS Passport did when it first came out.

I'm not saying it shouldn't happen. What I am saying is that maybe IBM will learn from that mistake... and maybe we'll stop repainting the cat and saying we got a new cat. :-)

Posted at 5:05AM on Jun 15th 2007 by Nobody Fugazi

2. I think they're on the right track with this idea. Sure, previous efforts along these lines like the Passport or online wallets haven't really caught on, but online culture is changing. Anonymity will remain an issue, but it's getting more and more important to maintain a consistent online identity in order to connect up with friends and colleagues in different places. This need will really grow with widespread hosting of virtual worlds.

Here's what I picture: Having all your identity data and inventories of virtual stuff located in a separate, secure database, from which you can control exactly what comes with you into each virtual space, website, or online game you visit. Your avatar program would have an expandable stack of protocols, so it would be useful in everything from traditional IM's and chatrooms to the latest immersive virtual environment. And it would have different security levels, so if you are entering spaces you trust, it will automatically upload and build your fully customized avatar, but more sketchy locations would only be able to pull your online handle and a basic presence signifier.

Important to accomplishing this is a set of open identity and security standards:
1. 2D presence info for websites, chatrooms, IM, etc.
2. Standardized avatar info, that can be translated for use in a wide variety of virtual spaces. This might include a simple model for mass-audience situations, and a more advanced physical standard with prim-add-on capabilities.
3. Expansion API's for more advanced graphical and immersive environments and game data, including visual, audio, and haptic streaming.
4. Secure protocol for uploading new objects or data into a space without exposing your whole inventory.
5. Secure protocol for making purchases of online, virtual goods and services without exposing your credit card or real address info. I think it'll be necessary to have a central service for real money transactions rather than relying on game economies.

Posted at 2:25PM on Jun 15th 2007 by Ananda

3. RLC avatar skins are low poly compared to SL avatars. How do you translate clothes? And prims? I want my heels along - and my hair. This idea is silly, wont be implementable in the immediate years.

I expect VR worlds to diversify rather than standardize. So it will be a long time.

Posted at 4:20PM on Jun 15th 2007 by khannea suntzu