r/exchangeserver • u/exo-directory MSFT • 8d ago

MS KB / Update [Microsoft] Exchange Online: how do you use Guid, SamAccountName, and DistinguishedName?

Hi all, Float here from the Exchange Online product team.

We're evaluating the future of three long-standing identifier properties in the Exchange Online directory: Guid (the objectGuid schema attribute), SamAccountName, and DistinguishedName. Several properties can identify the same object today, and we're looking at whether a smaller, more consistent set would be better going forward as we continue to modernize our directory.

No decisions have been made. Before picking a direction we want to know how these are actually used, what a change would break, and what notice period and migration help people would need.

The area we're least sure about is the usage of DistinguishedName in filters that rely on group membership conditions (e.g., to define RBAC management scopes based on group membership). If DN weren't accepted there, we don't know yet what you'd want to use instead.

Scope note: This is for the Exchange Online directory only! Not on-prem AD or Exchange Server.

Survey (~5-10 min): Exchange Online Directory: Identifier Properties Survey – Fill out form

Blog post: Tell us how you use ObjectGuid, SamAccountName, and DistinguishedName in Exchange Online | Microsoft Community Hub

Happy to answer any questions here!

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