Ubuntu Single Sign On is an OpenID

OpenID

OpenID is an open standard that describes how users can be authenticated in a decentralized manner, eliminating the need for services to provide their own ad hoc systems and allowing users to consolidate their digital identities...

-based single sign-on

Single sign-on

Single sign-on is a property of access control of multiple related, but independent software systems. With this property a user logs in once and gains access to all systems without being prompted to log in again at each of them...

 service provided by Canonical Ltd to allow users to log in to many websites.

Product overview

An Ubuntu Single Sign On account gives user access to Launchpad

Launchpad (website)

Launchpad is a web application and website that allow users to develop and maintain software, particularly free software. Launchpad is developed and maintained by Canonical Ltd....

, Ubuntu One

Ubuntu One

Ubuntu One is a personal cloud service operated by Canonical Ltd.The service enables users to store files online and sync them between computers and mobile devices, as well as stream audio and music from cloud to mobile devices.- Features :...

, the Ubuntu Shop and other Ubuntu services. Other sites that support OpenID authorization also have support for Ubuntu SSO.

Ubuntu Single Sign On account can also be used for authenticating to desktop applications such as "Ubuntu One Music Store" plugin for Rhythmbox

Rhythmbox

Rhythmbox is an audio player that plays and helps organize digital music. Originally inspired by Apple's iTunes, it is free software, designed to work well under the GNOME Desktop using the GStreamer media framework. However, Rhythmbox functions on desktop environments other than GNOME.-Music...

 and Banshee, Ubuntu One and Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center is a computer program for browsing, installing and removing software on the Ubuntu operating system. Based upon the GNOME application, gnome-app-install, which is similar in function and appearance, it serves as a GTK+ graphical user interface front-end to the Advanced...

. This goal is reached by using Ubuntu Single Sign On Client application.