OpenID Connect vs Stormpath: What are the differences?

## Introduction

Key differences between OpenID Connect and Stormpath are outlined below:

1. **Authorization vs. User Management**: OpenID Connect focuses on authorization, providing a secure way to verify the identity of a user and obtain their consent for accessing resources. On the other hand, Stormpath is a user management and authentication service that simplifies the process of user registration, login, and account management.

2. **Protocol vs. Platform**: OpenID Connect is a protocol that allows for secure authorization of users across different applications and services. In contrast, Stormpath is a platform that offers a complete solution for user authentication and management, including user directories, API keys, and multi-factor authentication.

3. **Authentication vs. User Profiles**: OpenID Connect primarily deals with authentication, ensuring that the user is who they claim to be before granting access to resources. Stormpath, however, focuses on managing user profiles, storing and updating user data, and providing a seamless user experience across applications.

4. **Open vs. Proprietary Solution**: OpenID Connect is an open standard that can be implemented by any developer or organization, promoting interoperability and flexibility. Stormpath, on the other hand, is a proprietary solution with a specific set of features and functionalities tailored for user management and authentication.

5. **Scalability and Flexibility**: OpenID Connect offers a scalable and flexible solution for identity federation, allowing for seamless integration with various identity providers and services. Stormpath, while offering scalability, is more specific in its focus on user management and may not provide the same level of flexibility for integrating with external systems.

6. **Development and Maintenance**: Implementing OpenID Connect may require more development effort and expertise due to the complexity of the protocol and its security requirements. In comparison, using Stormpath can streamline the development process by providing pre-built authentication and user management components, reducing the maintenance burden on developers.

In Summary, OpenID Connect and Stormpath differ in their focus on authorization, user management, protocol vs. platform, authentication vs. user profiles, open vs. proprietary solutions, scalability and flexibility, and development and maintenance efforts.