> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/concepts/roles-secrets-and-identity/identity-providers.md). # Identity providers An **identity provider (IdP)** is a service that verifies online identities for third-party applications. Google is a familiar example - many websites let you log in with your Google account because Google is the IdP that vouches for who you are. Universities and large companies often run their own IdP services for the same reason. Nuvolos integrates with three categories of identity provider: * **Nuvolos** - an IdP managed by Nuvolos itself, for users without an institutional or Google identity. * **Google** - for users with a Google account. * **Institutional IdPs in the eduGAIN network** - for users at participating universities and research institutions. When you sign up to Nuvolos, you identify yourself via one of these IdPs. For any subsequent login, you must use the same IdP to access your Nuvolos account - this is what makes the binding between you and your account stable. If you change institution or want to change IdP, contact Nuvolos support; this is not something you can self-service, because the IdP binding is the foundation of your identity on the platform. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.nuvolos.com/concepts/roles-secrets-and-identity/identity-providers.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.