This standard provides an Identity Management (IdM) framework for Next Generation Network (NGN). The primary purpose of this standard is to describe the fundamental concepts@ functional components and capabilities of IdM that can be used to organize and guide structured solutions for NGN. The scope of this standard includes to: ? Describe the business motivations@ benefits@ and advantages of IdM services@ and the generic capabilities used to provide identity assurance and defining IdM concepts applicable to NGN and based on the NGN Functional Requirements and Architecture (FRA) as defined in ITU-T Recommendation Y.2012 [Y.2012] and ATIS standard@ NGN Architecture [ATIS- 1000018] ? Identify and describe the functional entities@ roles@ relationships@ enablers and communications supporting IdM services and capabilities for NGN ? Identify and describe the (intra-network) relationships for supporting IdM services and capabilities within an NGN@ ? Identify and describe the relationships for supporting IdM services and capabilities between NGN providers (e.g.@ within a federation)@ and between NGN providers and other providers (e.g.@ inter-federation) The framework provided in this standard is intended for NGN (i.e.@ managed packet networks) as defined in [ITU-T Y.2001]@ General overview of NGN. However@ it could be applied as appropriate to other types of networks (e.g.@ private corporation and enterprise networks). This framework is intended to be used as a foundation to develop and specify specific aspects of IdM for NGN such as detailed requirements@ mechanisms and procedures as needed. It also provides a clear and coherent overview of the totality of IdM in NGN. Note: the use of the term ??Identity' in this standard relating to Identity Management (IdM) does not indicate its absolute meaning. In particular@ it does not constitute any positive validation of a person