"In the past every implementation of multifactor or advanced identity technologies was different and there was no synergy or application development model which meant architects would have to bet on one particular technology so everything stayed single purpose. CardSpace provides a single application interface for all different identity technologies."

Robert Goldberg, KPMG partner of risk advisory, said Microsoft's CardSpace is less about implementing technology than providing a tool that implements a process people can trust.

Goldberg said the goal is to have control over managing the risk of online transactions based on the level of credentials required.

"CardSpace is attempting to manage risk associated with a new direction of online trading and the newer generation of computer users is going to continue to drive innovation and adoption of processes perhaps our generation didn't even want to accept."

"I think the difference between CardSpace and, say, Active Directory is user control."