Microsoft and VeriSign have entered an agreement where Microsoft will use VeriSign’s authentication crap in .NET, and VeriSign will use Microsoft’s Hailstorm crap in Network Solutions’ domain registration system. That probably means that you’ll need a Microsoft Passport to deal with NetSol. Just another excuse to transfer your domains away from those morons as rapidly as possible. (I registered a domain with Dotster this weekend, and if things go well, I’ll be transferring my other domains over there ASAP.)