How to use Dynamic Distribution list with Lync

Q: is “Dynamic Distribution Groups” can be used in Lync?
A: Wall the formal answer is NO, It’s not a bug it’s by design.

But if we use some creative thinking we can overcome this obstacle.
Organization typically use the GAL to create Address list,
Once we create the rule of the address list, the Address List Are Dynamically populate with user’s.
We can use the GAL as the Source for our “Dynamic Distribution list”,
or we can create new “Address list” just for the Lync & hide it from the rest of the users.
Wall we solve the first obstacle who to crate “Dynamic Distribution list” for Lync =>  use the GAL.

Of course we can’t use the “Address list”  from Lync ,
We have to create “Distribution List” with the same name of The “Address List” .
The "Distribution list" will contain all the Users that is resolve from the “Address List”  rule,
Wall this solve the second obstacle ,
“Address List” are not working with Lync => use “Distribution List”.

Ok there are just small details left out.

1. How to create the “Distribution List” from the GAL?
2. How to populate the “Distribution List” with recipient’s?
3. How to maintain all of this, Remove/ADD user’s to “Distribution List”,
   Remove/add “Distribution List” .

Those small details are the reason we are here today.
Attach to this blog is PowerShell script that do all the small details.

1. Start from a specified passion scan the GAL for All“Address List”,then query Active Directory for DL with the same name of The “Address List” If it failed to find then create new “Distribution List”, if exist then continue.
   Important:

   a) before create the“Distribution List” check that The Address List is not empty.
   b) The “Distribution List”is created in designated OU.

2. Make sure the Recipient from “Address List” rule is the same as the Member’s
   in the “Distribution List” ,mark the “Distribution List” with date of cheking.
3. After the Script is run we have “Distribution List” with the same name of the “Address List”,
   those “Distribution List” are “Dynamic Distribution Groups” we can use in Lync.

Of cores The PowerShell Script must be run in retention way once a Day or week .

Explain on the Script:



Set PowerShell Script Environment Variable 

92: Set the output file log name.
93: Set OU where the “Distribution List” will be created.
94: Set the start location at GAL to find the “Address List”.
95: in case there is more than one Domain .

GAL Global Address List

The "Distribution List" Active Directory Users and Computers

The Distribution List Exchange EMC

In this example the “Address List” are in format
* XXXX – Branch number.
* Branch Type – branch ,Center ,standalone.
* Branch Name.

 

 

because the display name of "Address list" in my Example have space and
SamAccountName, Name, Alias can’t have space,
I create $str ,you can change it to what you decide as long there is no space

 

to Download the Script

Dynamic Distrubution list for Lync