Once an organisation has joined the federation, there are various options for participation.
In-house
Run and support identity management in-house.There are two options for following this route:
- implement the technology wholly through the organisation.
- implement the technology using a third party. This option is particularly useful for those organisations who do not have the internal resource or expertise to deploy the initial technical requirements but would like to maintain ultimate control of their user authentication.
Outsourced
Organisational identity management provision is handled by a third party.
The application process for outsourced IdPs will need to be followed if taking this route.
There are a variety of organisations who offer outsourced and/or in-house support services.
Schools
The recommended approach for schools is to join via the Local Authorities (England & Wales) or Regional Broadband Consortia in England, Classroom 2000 in Northern Ireland and Learning & Teaching, Scotland. However, schools may join the federation independently.