What Are External Resources?

An external resource is a unique resource type that does not directly store user account information. Rather, it is a resource that is external to the workings of Identity Manager. These resources can be desktop computers, laptop computers, cell phones, security badges, and so forth.

Provisioning external resources almost always requires one or more manual processes. For example, after making the initial request and getting the required approvals to provision a laptop for a new employee, you might have to submit a purchase requisition request to the company's order request system. After the order is filled, someone else might have to pre-configure the laptop with corporate applications before personally delivering that laptop to the new employee to complete the provisioning request.