Loading pictures to Active Directory via FIM

I've recently noticed a few discussions (one thread is in the FIM 2010 forum) on how to get pictures loaded into FIM and maybe into Active Directory (AD); for a recent customer project I did a VERY quick Extensible Management Agent (ECMA) with an extension to load pictures from a file share and into to FIM.

I want to strees that this ECMA has not been extensively tested for production and is missing some error handling and good logging. But it is currently running a burn-in at customer site and seems to be working properly, so if it will help you go in the right direction - well, then it is all yours for inspiration.

The current version basically loads JPG files from a file share specified as a Config Parameter and turns the pictures into a Base64 string. The Extension then actually converts the string back to a byte array which can be directly exported to Active Directory thumbnailPhoto.

Remember that the general recommendation is to store pictures in Active Directory at a size of 96x96 pixels and a size of less than 10Kb; however, I have heard from Microsoft that the attribute thumbnailPhoto actually supports up to 100Kb size pictures, so you'd would have to check with the different applications for size and dimensions expectations, i.e. Outlook enjoys a 96x96 picture but other application may have other preferences and SharePoint generates three different size, 144x144, 96x96 and 32x32 pixels for use in different situations.

Get the compiled version and source code for both the XMA and the Extension here.

Enjoy.

MARunScheduler

I, sometimes, miss the old MASequencer from the Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 Resource Tool Kit 2.0.

Recently, I missed it so much that I decided to rewrite it for use with FIM. It is actually able to load and work using the old MASequencer XML files (nice!?). It is currently in released for free as a limited version which is already running a some of my customers as well.

There is a commercial full-version of this available that has more features, including clearing of old run histories and customizable log filenames and more. Write me an email if you want more information on the commercial version which also comes with support and free feature requests.

You can find the manual and download here.

SharePoint Services 3.0 stops working after patch

A few of my customers have experienced problems with SharePoint Services 3.0 failing to connect to database after applying SharePoint security update in KB2493987 and KB2553018. Failing to load SharePoint results of course in loss of the ability to use the FIM 2010 portal.

Following this good guide helped them get back on their wings and they are soring happily again.

http://itprob.blogspot.com/2011/09/sharepoint-error-after-applying.html

Thanks for the great guide.

Hotfix rollup package (build 4.0.3594.2) for FIM 2010

Even though it has been out for a little week now, I thought I'd mention it - just in case you missed it. There are some very interesting fixes in this rollup hotfix, that you would want to take advantage of.

Read all about it and get it here.

Now a FIM 2010 MVP

I received a fantastic mail on a boring Saturday. Excerpts from mail read: "Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2011 Microsoft® MVP Award! This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others."

I’m truly very humbled, honored and very happy to be awarded the 2011 MVP Award and proud to be part of this exclusive group of people. Thank you very much.

I'll do my best to keep contributing to my best effort.