Directories - Directory Groups

This article contains information on using Directory Groups in Mimecast for email routing and policy application, synchronized from network directories like Active Directory, and accessed via the Administration Console.

A Directory Group lists synchronized Distribution Lists from the network Directory (such as Active Directory or AD) using a Directory connector.  As with Groups, the Directory Groups contain email addresses but are synchronized from the network Directory and cannot be modified in Mimecast.

Groups can be used in Mimecast Policies to control mail flow. For example, email routing can be based on the Groups of a network Directory Distribution list. The list is managed internally in the Directory, and Mimecast is updated automatically during Directory synchronization. For example, mail flow can be configured to deliver to different mail servers based on the US, European, or Asia Distribution Lists.

It may also be useful to apply other policy types based on Directory Groups, such as Attachment Management. In this way, a different set of Attachment handling rules can apply to the Marketing Department instead of the Finance Department.

Using Directory Groups

Directory Groups are automatically synchronized to Mimecast based on the configured Directory connection. For more information on the configuration of the Directory Connections, view the Directory Synchronization page.

To access your directory groups:

1. Log in to the Mimecast Administration Console.
2. Click on the Users & Groups | Directory Groups menu item.

You can select the directory group for the FROM or TO variables when creating policies. This will present them with a full list of available directory groups.

Mimecast will only display 3000 groups or sub-groups, respectively, in the Mimecast Administration Console. This does not mean that Mimecast has or will only sync 3000 groups or sub-groups; there is no limit to the number of Directory Groups we will sync. This limit is intentional and only for the UI (User Interface).