The Authentication Web Service adds authentication functionality to the SOAP binding. It provides authentication to a WSC, allowing the WSC to obtain security tokens for further interactions with other services at the same provider. These other services may include a discovery service or single sign-on service. Upon successful authentication, the final Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) response contains the resource offering for the Discovery Service. For more information, see Chapter 6, Authentication Web Service.
Do not confuse the Liberty-based Authentication Web Service with the proprietary Access Manager Authentication Service discussed in the Sun Java System Access Manager 7.1 Technical Overview.