Developing an OpenID Standard
We provide a safe environment for the development of robust, open, and consensus-driven standards. This page presents a high-level overview of the phases of standards development. More detailed information about our processes and policies can be found in our Process Document.
The OpenID Specifications Council approves the formation of any new Working Group. A charter must be proposed by a minimum of 5 Contributors from different Member organizations.
OpenID WGs develop the specifications as directed in their charter. They work by consensus using mailing lists, GitHub, and regularly scheduled WG meetings to reach agreement on a WG Draft.
Once a WG is satisfied with a WG draft, they may propose it as an Implementer's Draft or (later) a Final Draft, which are both subject to a review period (45 and 60 days, respectively) and member vote. To be approved, a simple majority representing 20% of OpenID members must vote to approve.
To ensure that our specifications are robust, the OpenID Foundation seeks partnerships (researchers and funding partners) to undertake rigorous security analysis of mature specifications, i.e., Implementer's Drafts that have proved market demand and are approaching Final Draft status.
Conformance tests are essential in helping the community to understand whether they have correctly implemented the standard. The OpenID Foundation hosts a free suite of conformance tests for the most mature, highly adopted standards.
Certification helps implementers prove that their products adhere to robust standards that will help underpin security and interoperability. Many ecosystems require certification to key standards. The OpenID Foundation offers both a self-certification scheme and partnerships with third parties.