Windows Card Space (?????)

I was just looking at my Control Panel (OK- I haven't been there in a while) and noticed I have something called "Windows Card Space" listed (see mini-shot below). I did some quick research, and it's apparently a legit program, but it isn't listed in Add/Remove Programs, but it does have it's own service (???). What is it? How did it get installed w/o me knowing about it? How do I get rid of it? Why is it that I have never seen it before on any other PCs? I look at probably 25 or more different XP systems each week, and this is the first time I have ever seen Windows Card Space.....
Thanks.

 

Windows card space comes with .net framework 3.0, you can't get rid of it unless you uninstall .net

 

Yeah, I've been researching CardSpace since I discovered it. Odd. I have seen .NET 3.0 and 3.5 installed on many, MANY, MANY systems over the years, and this is the first time (that I can remember) that I've ever seen Windows Card Space. It doesn't look like something I'd ever use, and after reading the Wiki about it, I can honestly say I have never read an article with more confusing PC jargon in my entire PC life LOL Since I have other apps that rely on .NET, I guess I'll just leave Card Space alone, but I will disable the service.