Connecting with external users

Learn what an external user can do in HCL Connections, and how you can invite them to register.

External users, indicated by the External user icon icon, can use many Connections features. A person becomes an external user when:
  • Someone in an organization invites them to join Connections as a guest.
  • Someone in an organization invites them to join a Connections community and they accept the invitation.
  • Someone in an organization shares a file with them.

Inviting a guest

Once your administrator assigns you to the appropriate role, you can collaborate with people who are not members of Connections by inviting them to register as guests. Guest accounts are free; no extra fees are charged to your organization or to the guests.

To invite one or more guests:

  1. In the title bar, click your photo.
  2. In the menu that opens, click Invite Guest.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • Enter the name and email address of the person. You can also personalize the invitation message.
    • To invite multiple guests at once, click the Import CSV tab and click Select file. The entries in the file must have the following format: Given name,Surname,email address
  4. Click Send Invitation. The person receives an email invitation that directs them to the registration web page, and then to the Connections login screen.
  5. If you want to continue inviting guests, click Invite Another until you are finished.

What external users can do

If you are an external user, you can do the following:
  • Collaborate as a member in communities. For example, you can contribute to a community forum.
  • View and download files that are shared with them.
  • Edit files in HCL Connections Docs if the organization makes licenses available for use.
  • Join HCL Sametime® meetings that you are invited to.
  • See an activity stream to which you have access.
  • Edit your profile by clicking your picture and selecting My Profile.
  • View abbreviated business cards of people that share content with you.
  • Share files with people.
  • Use the Connections mobile app.
  • Chat with people in the organization.