What is Membership Service Provider (MSP)?

A membership service provider (MSP) is a component within some blockchain networks that is used to manage memberships for different users, or nodes, and their digital identities. MSPs are used to verify, authenticate, and identify different users and give them permission to make use of a blockchain network. MSPs are customized to fulfill specific customer requirements determined by the creator of the network, and also provide interoperability between various membership standards and architectures.