Question: I have several users that only need a GroupWise account and I want to use EMU to create an External Entity. Does EMU support external entity accounts?
Answer:
EMU does not have the ability to see or manage External Entities or GroupWise Only Accounts (there is slight difference between the two).
- "GroupWise External Entity" is a GroupWise account that has an eDirectory 'external identity' object associated with it. eDirectory 'external identity' accounts are not counted or licensed as eDirectory users. External Entities can be converted to full eDirectory accounts using ConsoleOne. External Entities are normally created in ConsoleOne using the create object wizard. External Entities can be added to GW Dist Lists.
- "GroupWise Only Account" has no association to an eDirectory object and is only visible in ConsoleOne under the Post Office when viewing users. It will appear as the outline of a user with no colour in the icon. GW Only Accounts have a single detail page. This type of account cannot be converted to an eDirectory account. It can be associated to eDirectory which will then convert it to an External Entity. GW Only Accounts are created by deleting a normal user and unchecking the "Delete GroupWise User" option. (NOTE - there is no online documentation for GW Only Accounts on novell.com). GW Only Accounts cannot be added to a GW Dist List as they have no associated eDirectory object.
Creating GroupWise Only Accounts: We have successfully tested creating GroupWise Only Accounts using EMU using the following steps:
- Using an import csv file, create the full eDirectory/GroupWise accounts. Use the absolute minimum of information for the eDirectory user account (last name and login name).
- After the accounts are created, highlight the created accounts in the eDirectory view, right-click and choose "Delete Accounts". Choose to delete the eDirectory account. That will leave the "GroupWise only" account remaining.
Since EMU cannot see or manage External Entities, there are limitations:
- EMU cannot be used to associate the object to create an external entity.
- EMU cannot be used to convert an External Entity into an eDirectory user with a GW account.
- EMU cannot be used to manage or bulk manage or delete or bulk delete External Entities or GW Only Accounts.
eControl Supports External Entities: We have been enhancing our
eControl web management solution to incorporate bulk management and bulk create capabilities including creating External Entities. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing eControl for your environment.
