Dear Community, What: This note is to inform this community that the Kantara Initiative Board of Trustees have ratified a change in Membership, Assessor and CSP investment rates. (see attached PDF) When: Effective as of April 1, 2012 Why: After detailed analysis and discussion the determination to change the Membership investments has been ratified by the Board of Trustees in order to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the organization. Please note that individuals and organizations who apply for membership in advance of April 1, 2012 may take advantage of the current membership investment rates. (see membership levels - http://kantarainitiative.org/wordpress/membership/) Additionally, the Kantara Identity Assurance Accreditation and Approval Program has run in pilot phase for the last ~18-24 months. In that time, together, we've achieved some great accomplishments. eValid8 and Deloitte have been Accredited and Verizon VUIS has been CSP Approved.  Also, Electrosoft is in the final stage of their Accreditation review.  Experian US has submitted their application as a CSP.  There are 3 Assessors and 4 CSPs in the queue to move forward in the program (not mentioned by name to protect their privacy).  Each of these organizations is (or can be) operationally 'ready' to work not only with FICAM (in the United States) but across vertical and with other jurisdictions as well. We are now working together with stakeholders in the IAWG, ARB, FICAM and international governments, as appropriate, to incorporate lessons learned from operating in pilot to optimize the program.  As such we are moving out of pilot April 1 2012 and the new rates will take effect.  Organizations who submit a completed application in advance of April 1, 2012 will have the opportunity to take advantage of the current investment rates. (http://kantarainitiative.org/wordpress/programs/assurance/) Please note that the Subscriber investment structure is also inclusive of use of Trustmark (where an organization has achieved Accreditation or Approval and signed the appropriate agreement).  On a case-by-case basis, non-profit and smaller size organizations may have the opportunity to provide "in-kind" services in lieu of part of the investment amount.  Finally, Subscribers have the opportunity to apply 10% of their initial Subscriber investment toward Voting Membership. Should you have questions about the change in rates, this notice and/or the discussion and analysis work that drove the modified rates please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Should you have questions about the invoicing schedule and process please reach out to Dervla O'Reilly (dervla @ kantarainitiative.org) Best Regards, =Joni Joni Brennan Kantara Initiative | Executive Director IEEE-ISTO voice:+1 732-226-4223 email: joni @ ieee-isto.org YouTube: Kantara Initiative - The Bridge to Assurance Communities http://youtu.be/AHFqMUe04lQ