VeriSign, a provider of internet infrastructure services for the networked world, has been selected by Microsoft as an OpenID provider for users of HealthVault, a free service that allows consumers to store and manage their health information online. 

The Mountain View, Calif.-based VeriSign said it combines the convenience of OpenID single sign-on with the security of authentication via VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) credentials. Acceptance of VeriSign’s OpenID secured by the VeriSign Identity Protection Service gives consumers another choice when signing into Microsoft’s HealthVault to help safeguard personal health information. 

Microsoft HealthVault members, who have activated their VIP credential on their VeriSign OpenID, can also utilize the same VIP credential on eBay, PayPal, AOL and a number of other sites that participate in the VeriSign Identity Protection Network, the company said.

“HealthVault is about empowering people to take control of their personal health information, and that means making their web experience easier while also helping them safeguard their privacy,” said George Scriban, senior product manager at Microsoft Health Solutions Group.