The Case for Federated ID Management

Interview with Tom Smedinghoff of Wildman Harrold The topic has been discussed for years, but now truly is the time for organizations to invest in federated identity management. So says Tom Smedinghoff, partner at Chicago-based law firm Wildman Harrold. In an exclusive interview, Smedinghoff discusses: What's new about federated ID management; Challenged to implementing a federated strategy; How to build a solid business case for deployment. Smedinghoff is a partner at Wildman Harrold, where his practice focuses on the new legal issues relating to the developing field of information law and electronic business activities. He is internationally recognized for his leadership in addressing emerging legal issues regarding electronic transactions, information security, and digital signature authentication issues from both a transactional and public policy perspective. He has been retained to structure and implement e-commerce, identity management and information security legal infrastructures for the federal government, and national and international businesses including banks, insurance companies, investment companies, and certification authorities. He also frequently counsels clients on the law relating to first-of-their-kind electronic transactions, privacy,4 information security legal matters, and e-commerce initiatives. At the same time, he has been actively involved in developing legislation and public policy in the area of electronic business at the state, national, and international levels.