Experian has announced that Experian and Microsoft have developed a proof of concept identity management service using Microsoft Windows CardSpace. The company said that "as ID fraud activity intensifies, this service streamlines identity authentication and provides a safer and simpler way to pay online."

Celent has published a new report titled "Where the Banks Aren't: Nontraditional/Nonbank Advances in Branded Prepaid Cards". "Payment network-branded prepaid cards represent the "next big thing" in consumer payment cards. However, banks have yet to pursue the growth potential of general purpose reloadable cards for the unbanked population, which represents an untapped US$192 billion market."

Suzanne Choney writes for MSNBC about Bill Me Later - but also about eBillMe and PaidByCash. Sounds ominous: "The Electronic Retailing Association advises consumers to make sure they read the fine print and know their rights when dealing with alternative online payment programs."

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We have received news of the following recent management changes:

• Rich Greene has been named Chief Technology Officer at Portland, OR-based Vesta Corporation. Most recently, Greene was Chief Technology Officer at Qsent, a national contact identity services company serving the Financial Services, Telecom and Utilities sectors.