RE: External User Access to WSS 3.0

Yes, as part of the External Collaboration Toolkit that is relased by
Microsoft as a Solution Accelerator

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D9AF2C25-989C-45C4-8008-1F15722190ED&displaylang=en

It's a somewhat involved, but well documented, solution that involves using
ADAM (which is like Active Directory Lite) for your external users.

It works pretty well for us, give it a try

"Phillip Armitage" wrote:

I currently evaluating WSS 3.0 as a possible replacement for the FTP server
we currently operate. In a test environment I have set up a small network
composed of the following: one server running Windows 2003 x64, AD and
Exchange 2007, another server running Windows 2003 x32, AD (aka a backup
domain controller) and WSS 3.0, and a workstation running Windows XP PRo
x32, logging into the domain hosted by the first server.

I can see how to assign users and groups within AD so that they have access
to the site. What I'm interested in understanding is how other companies are
configuring WSS and/or AD so that clients, sub-consultants and the such can
be provided access to the site, as in from their own company offices.

Is there an add-in to WSS which allows me to create site users without
adding them to AD. If AD must be used for controlling user site access, what
is the best method? Create these users as mail contacts within Exchange?
Create them as Users within AD?

If sharepoint users have to be registered in AD, what effect does that have
on licencing of my Windows 2003 servers? Do I need External Connector
licenses installed on just the Windows Server 2003 box running Sharepoint
Services?

I look forward to your response



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