Signing in
Accessing the platform
Section titled “Accessing the platform”The platform runs in your web browser. Open the application URL provided by your
administrator (for the development environment this is https://console.openshare.dev).
You’ll be redirected to the OpenShare sign-in page: a sign-in card with the OpenShare wordmark (and an Open Beta badge), alongside an animated illustration of connected servers. You can sign in two ways:
- Single sign-on — buttons for Google, Microsoft, and GitHub sit at the top of the card. If you use one of these providers, sign in with a single click.
- Email — below the or divider, enter your account email, then your password on the next step. A password-reset link is available if you’ve forgotten it.
Creating an account
Section titled “Creating an account”If you don’t have an account yet, use the Create Account link at the bottom of the sign-in card. The registration page (Create your OpenShare™ account) asks for your name, email, and a password. A few things to know:
- Terms of Service — creating an account means you agree to the OpenShare Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which you review and accept after your first sign-in.
- Human verification — a verification widget can appear in the form; most of the time it completes without any action from you.
- Email verification — you’ll be asked to verify your email address. Once verified, your account is active — the platform is in open beta and no approval step is needed.
First-time setup
Section titled “First-time setup”The first time you sign in, take a moment to set up your profile so partners can find and recognize you:
- Open your profile from the account menu to add a short bio and set your notification preferences.
- Check that your first and last name are right — that is what other organizations see in the Directory. It comes from the account you sign in with, so change it in your account settings rather than in OpenShare.
- Your organization is listed in the Directory so partners can find you and send you contact requests. Only your name and organization are shown — never your email address, servers, channels, or data.
The Getting Started checklist
Section titled “The Getting Started checklist”On your first visit, the Contacts dashboard shows a Getting Started checklist that walks you through the key setup steps — connecting your own server, reaching partner organizations, and provisioning your first connections. It’s the fastest way to orient yourself. You can dismiss it once you’re comfortable.
Sessions and signing out
Section titled “Sessions and signing out”Sessions expire after a period of inactivity. If your session is about to expire you’ll see a warning with the option to stay signed in. To sign out manually, use the account menu.
Next steps
Section titled “Next steps”Ready to connect with a partner? Follow the Quickstart.