OpenID for joomla and wordpress
OpenID.. One ID to rule them all
OpenID is a framework for user authentication. As I’m in the process of implementing OpenID libraries into joommunity so our members will have verifiable member tools and features I thought I’d post a short article on what OpenID is, what it does and how to get your own, unique ID.
OpenID is an open, decentralized, free framework for user-centric digital identity or, in less geeky terms… Imagine a single login for all your sites, blogs and favorite webplaces. With an openID you create (and verify) a unique online ID that’s yours and only yours.
To qoute the folks at OpenID: “OpenID starts with the concept that anyone can identify themselves on the Internet the same way websites do-with a URI (also called a URL or web address). Since URIs are at the very core of Web architecture, they provide a solid foundation for user-centric identity.”
So, Claim your name…
The first thing to do is create your profile. There’s a growing number of online communities supporting OpenID (Technorati , Live Journal, Ma.gnolia and AOL) but the easiest way is to create your profile/account first at : claimID, register your main website and follow the simple process of adding verification to your site domain. Once you’ve gotten your email confirmation you’re good to go.
Claim your Domain…
An added benefit to having a unique, global id is that you can use it to “authenticate” a website you’ve developed or own… as your intellectual property. I’ve recently added joommunity.com along with 1guy and my photoblog.
OpenID-Dead easy…
For us Joomla and Wordpress users there’s a couple of plugins available which make adding your OpenID account and websites pretty much a no-brainer.
OpenID for Joomla
There’s a great little plugin developed by longtime component guru Absalom Media. Currently, it’s available on the older file repository on sourceforge.org so expect an occasional delay or timeout on downloading. Once you get abs_openin.zip
- Unpack and install the plugin through your administration control panel under “installers/mambots”.
- Go to your mambots options under “mambots/Site Mambots”.
- Open the mambot and select OpenID provider (OpenID)
- Add your OpenID name.
- Tick the “published” box and click “save”.
OpenID for WordPress
For WP folks a WP widget plugin is available from the ClaimID group and can be found on their blog.To install the ClaimID widget:
- Download the ClaimID Wordpress Widget (zip file).
- Unpack the widget in your Wordpress widgets directory, generally wp-content/plugins/widgets.
- Activate the widget in the Plugins screen, available from your Wordpress dashboard.
- Drag, drop and configure the widget in Presentation — Sidebar Widgets, available from your Wordpress dashboard.
- You’re done! Your recent ClaimID links will appear on your blog.
