====== Overview ======

[[http://openconnections.net|Open Connections]] (OConn) is a protocol and REST based API for managing profiles and relationships in a distributed fashion. It is built using standard protocols, including OAuth 2.0. OConn is under active development. As such, the content of this wiki is a work in progress.

=====API=====

The [[API]] is the way profile providers interact with other applications and profiles on other systems. The API is designed to be implemented as a REST based web service.

=====Profiles=====

[[profile|Profiles]] form the foundation of OConn. A person creates a profile with a profile provider and this forms the basis of their interaction with other users and applications across the Internet.

=====Applications=====

Part of what makes OConn unique is the ability to interact with [[applications]] uniformly across different profile provider implementations. This is in strong contrast to the walled garden approach, which is to act as a gate keeper between application developers and the users they serve.

=====Authentication=====

The foundation of the Open Social Web must be built on a solid [[authentication]] mechanism. OAuth 2.0 will be the basis for this.

=====Protocol=====

The [[protocol]] is the underlying communication format. It will be documented and, assuming sufficient interest, it will be submitted to a standards body.