November 2022 Summaries

Ory has launched version 1.0 of its Software Development Kits (SDKs) for all major programming languages, featuring streamlined naming conventions and enhanced API documentation. While previous versions of the SDKs will continue to function and remain compatible with Ory Network APIs, they will no longer receive maintenance, and users are encouraged to upgrade to version 1.0 by February 28, 2023. The SDKs are generated using the openapi-generator, and Ory is collaborating with the OpenAPI project to improve the developer experience by refining code templates for more elegant and idiomatic code. Additionally, Ory plans to transition to a protobuf-centric API approach for version 2 of its APIs in 2023, with iterative improvements to the SDKs being released to simplify usage for developers.

In recent years, the complexity of managing user sign-up and login processes has increased, as traditional password systems are unpopular due to security concerns and inconvenience, while social sign-ins are losing favor due to trust issues and user confusion. The industry is moving towards passwordless solutions using biometric passkeys, supported by major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, to offer a simpler and more secure user experience. Multi-factor authentication remains essential for protecting sensitive data, though it often frustrates users with its cumbersome nature. To address these challenges, Ory has developed Ory Elements, a set of pre-built, open-source components designed to streamline authentication processes, enhance user experience, and integrate seamlessly with various platforms like React, Next, and Express. These components offer customizable, modular solutions that can be easily implemented to improve the customer journey, and they are available for exploration and feedback on GitHub, with community support through Slack and GitHub discussions.

Ory has expanded its offerings by providing its popular open-source software as fully managed services through the Ory Network, which aims to simplify identity, authentication, authorization, and verification processes for software teams. This API-first platform is designed to enhance application security by offering modern and secure login methods, GDPR-compliant identity management, and seamless integration for first and third-party applications using OpenID Connect and OAuth2 protocols. Ory Network supports flexible access control models, making it easier to transform applications into secure platforms, whether for websites, apps, SaaS applications, or data platforms. Building on the foundation established with Ory Cloud, the network now offers a comprehensive toolkit for end-to-end security in cloud-based applications, promoting faster sign-up, increased user conversion, and greater trust through passwordless and multi-factor authentication.