The Identity Ecosystem Functional Model deliverable was developed by the IDESG Security Committee to provide context to discussions of identity ecosystems and a consistent model upon which to center descriptions of identity solutions. This is not a model of the IDESG as an organization but a representation of online identity interactions and the various components needed to execute those interactions.

The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) envisions widespread, trusted identity exchanges using federated methods that are secure, interoperable, privacy-enhancing and easy to use. Realization of that vision will require companies, agencies and individuals to perform at a new level. The Requirements are our first step towards that goal, by describing a set of functions that parties must be able to fulfill, and a set of criteria for assessing those capabilities.