Microsoft Passport Morphs into Windows Live ID
The Microsoft Passport universal-login service is undergoing a major upgrade under the Windows Live umbrella. The plan is to rebrand the Passport Network as Windows Live ID to serve as the authentication system for Windows Live, Office Live, Xbox Live, MSN and other Microsoft online services.
According to a blog entry by Trevin Chow, program manager in Microsoft's Windows Live Identity Services team, current implementations of Passport will be compatible with the new Windows Live ID.
Microsoft launched Passport in 1999 with ambitious plans to create a one-stop-shop where personal information is stored and used for online activity such as shopping and accessing content.