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Microsoft Azure Entra ID (Active Directory)

Microsoft Azure Entra ID (Active Directory)

Owned by Marin Varvodic
Last updated: Aug 05, 2024
4 min read

Welcome to our integration guide for Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) with the Cosmos Employee Database. This highly requested feature addresses the challenges of manually managing large employee databases. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can connect your employee database to Azure AD, automating user management and enhancing security. Simplify your operations and secure your data with this essential integration.

Microsoft has rebranded Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to Microsoft Entra ID. This change is part of an effort to better communicate the multi-cloud and multiplatform functionality of their products, alleviate confusion with Windows Server Active Directory, and unify the Microsoft Entra product family. Despite the name change, all features, capabilities, licensing, and pricing of the service remain unchanged. Existing setups, configurations, and integrations will continue to function as before without any need for action from users. This renaming aims to differentiate more clearly between the on-premises Active Directory and the multi-cloud identity solutions provided by Microsoft Entra ID​ → Read More.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the integration of Microsoft Azure Entra ID with the Cosmos Employee Database, ensure you meet the following criteria:

  1. Administrator access to Microsoft Entra ID portal → You need administrative access to configure settings and manage integrations within Azure.

  2. Administrator permissions for Cosmos → Full administrative rights in the Cosmos system are required to enable and manage the Azure AD integration.

Make sure you have these permissions to ensure a successful setup and integration process.

Step-by-step guide

#1 Sync Employee Database with Confluence Users

  1. From your Confluence navigation bar, access Cosmos by selecting it from the Apps dropdown.

  2. Within Cosmos, proceed to the Settings area.

  3. In the Settings menu, locate and click on Employee Database.

  4. Click on the Sync button to initiate the process. During this step, you will have the option to choose whether or not to sync guest users.

  5. All Confluence users with a valid license should be added to the Cosmos Employee Database.

Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 10.45.24.png

#2 Connect Microsoft Entra ID

  1. In the top right corner, click on the Connect MS Entra ID button.

  2. Go to the Microsoft Azure Portal.

  3. Copy the Tenant ID.

Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 10.56.56.png

  1. Return to Cosmos and click on the Connect button.

  2. A new tab will open with the authentication screen. Allow the connection between Cosmos and Entra ID.

  3. Return to the Cosmos Employee Database and click on the Complete button.

Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 11.02.45.png

  1. After a successful connection, the following fields are created in the Employee Database: Job Title, Department, Office Location, Hire Date, Manager, and Preferred Language. If these fields are filled in Microsoft Active Directory, the information will also be displayed in the Cosmos Employee Database.

Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 11.06.20.png

It is important that the email used for Confluence login also displayed in the Cosmos Employee Database, matches the email registered in the Microsoft Entra ID directory. This consistency ensures proper synchronization of the data. Please refer to the image below to verify that the emails are the same.

Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 11.09.05.png
Screenshot 2024-06-18 at 11.12.06.png

Utilization of MS Entra ID fields

Integrating Microsoft Entra ID with your Cosmos Employee Database adds valuable data that can be used across different areas of the Cosmos intranet. Below is an overview of how you can use these fields effectively within your organization.

  • People Network filters → Use fields like department or job title to refine search results and network filters, allowing users to find colleagues more efficiently.

  • Collections → Organize and categorize users based on attributes such as department, office location, or job title.

  • Dashboard Widgets → Use the Hire Date field to create widgets that highlight upcoming work anniversaries and new starters. Personalize widgets to display information relevant to a user’s role, department, or location, enhancing personal engagement and utility.

  • Org Charts → Build dynamic organizational charts using the manager field to visualize the structure of teams and departments.

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