History of the Consortium

Less than 20 years after the release of Shibboleth’s hugely successful identity provider, the Consortium now has over 50 members from 17 different countries. Learn more about our journey here.

timeline-image
2000

The Shibboleth Project evolves out of an Internet2 Middleware initiative. Later in the year, the project connects with the work of the OASIS SAML Working Group.

2000
Version 1.0
2003

Shibboleth 1.0 is born!

Following the first release of its now world-renowned identity provider software, Shibboleth is quickly adopted by research and education communities across the globe.

2003
2003 – 2013

Usage of Shibboleth products grows with NRENs, Academic institutions and commercial organisations implementing the software.

2003 – 2013
founding members
April 2013

The Shibboleth Consortium is founded!

Jisc, Internet2 and SWITCH become the first Principal Members by establishing the Consortium as a formal means of financially supporting the Shibboleth project.

April 2013
2015

A substantial financial reserve has been built up but primarily by the Principal Members as other membership fees remain substantially lower. Over the next 12 months, the project’s finances start to be depleted.

2015
June 2016

It becomes clear that action must be taken to avoid incurring a deficit. The Consortium reduces project expenditure by cutting developer hours. This leaves little opportunity for further development of the software and the development team’s main focus becomes maintenance and support.

June 2016
2017

The Consortium takes the following steps to avoid a deficit:

  • Consortium membership fees are increased for the first time 
  • The support model is updated to recognise the value of core developer support by making it a benefit exclusive to Consortium members
  • The Consortium attends several international events and hosts webinars to increase membership

These steps are welcomed by existing members and membership grows from 21 to 40 in one year.

2017
50-members
2018

The Consortium reaches 50 members!

With a growing membership, the Consortium Board now includes representation of five NRENs, two member-representatives and a development team representative.

2018
August 2018

After a successful year of growth, the Consortium invests in further development and Phil Smart of Jisc joins the Shibboleth development team.

August 2018
March 2019

Investment in development continues as developer Henri Mikkonen joins the team

March 2019
2020

The Consortium remains in a strong financial position and further expands the development team with John O’Brien joining, bringing the team up to 9 skilled and dedicated members.

2020