If we look up the definition of the term “federated” in the Computer Desktop Encyclopedia via answers.com it returns this definition:
“Connected and treated as one. See federated database and federated directories.”
This definition makes sense when we discuss identity. We have two systems within separate legal entities separated by a barrier. At one time this barrier was like a wall, a fortress. Entry was made through prescribed gates. Today it is more like a cell with it’s bi-layer lipid membrane and trans-membrane proteins. It acts as a protective barrier and a regulator of transports in and out. When we connect the IdM system of one entity with another they are treated as one; however, the other sub-system elements are logically subordinate so if we talk about federated provisioning there is a strong argument that it is semantically irrelevant. Ian Glazer is right there is only provisioning.
