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Nov 11, 2024

Integrating Nextcloud with Axigen IMAP for Single Sign-On (SSO)

Efficient user access across different platforms is important for productivity and streamlined workflows. By integrating Nextcloud with Axigen’s IMAP service, you can enable Single Sign-On (SSO), allowing users to access both platforms with the same credentials. This guide walks you through the configuration steps to achieve this integration.

axigen-nextcloud-sso

Why Integrate Axigen and Nextcloud for SSO?

Connecting Nextcloud with Axigen’s IMAP service for SSO allows users to log in with unified credentials across both platforms. This integration streamlines user management, reduces password fatigue, and boosts productivity by ensuring users have consistent access to their email and calendar platform, as well as their online file storage and sharing service.

Configuring Axigen for SSO

  1. Log in to the Axigen WebAdmin.
  2. Navigate to Services → IMAP.
  3. Disable the “AUTH GSSAPI” method for the desired connection type (SSL or non-SSL) to ensure compatibility.

imap-auth-disable-gssapi

Setting Up Nextcloud for External IMAP Authentication

  1. Enable the “External user authentication” app from the Apps → Integration section.

  2. Modify the config/config.php file in the Nextcloud directory by adding the following lines before the closing );of the $CONFIG array:

'user_backends' => array(
    array(
        'class' => '\\OCA\\UserExternal\\IMAP',
        'arguments' => array(
            '<AXIGEN_SERVER>', <IMAP_PORT>, '<SSL_MODE>', '<DOMAIN_NAME>', true, false
        ),
    ),
),


Replace <AXIGEN_SERVER> with your Axigen server's IP or hostname, <IMAP_PORT> with the appropriate port (143 for non-SSL, 993 for SSL), and <SSL_MODE> with SSL, TLS, or null for unencrypted.

Key Considerations:

  • You need to make sure the Axigen IMAP service uses a valid SSL certificate to avoid authentication failures.
  • You can use Axigen’s built-in Let’s Encrypt support if needed.


Integrating these services allows users to access both Nextcloud and Axigen with the same credentials, simplifying account management and providing a cohesive user experience.

Conclusion

By setting up Single Sign-On between Axigen and Nextcloud, you simplify user authentication processes and create a more efficient, user-friendly environment. Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on integrating Axigen with Nextcloud and OnlyOffice to further enhance your collaborative workflows.