Microsoft Serves Up Security Services

They're live, but not exactly ready for prime time in the enterprise: Two new Web-based security services from Microsoft Live Labs are now available in beta for developers building Internet applications.

Microsoft Live Labs -- a partnership between MSN and Microsoft Research -- is offering Security Token Service (STS) and Relay Service, both part of what the company calls its "cloud services," or early test-phase technologies. STS is an authentication service and Relay Service that provides secure, peer-to-peer Web applications like click-to-talk with voice-over-IP.

These services aren't for the faint of heart. Developers using them must use browsers with support for Microsoft's still-to-be-announced InfoCard, such as Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 or later for each service, as well as WinFX Runtime Components Beta 2 in the authentication service. Microsoft's upcoming Vista desktop operating system will use these and other Live services.

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Kelly Jackson Higgins, Senior Editor, Dark Reading