The modules covered earlier in this collection (Technology, Tickets, Office 365) all pull data from your integrations automatically. The External Content Module works differently. Rather than connecting to a specific data source, it gives you a place to bring in any web-based resource you want your team or clients to have access to, whether that is a link, a dashboard, a form, or an embedded document. It appears in the sidebar alongside the other modules, but the content is entirely up to you.
Types of content you can add
You can add two types of items to the module:
External Content: a plain URL that links to an external resource. When adding External Content, you choose how it opens (see below).
Embedded HTML: an embedded resource (like a BrightGauge dashboard, Lucidchart diagram, or Microsoft Office document) that renders directly inside Strategy Overview. This option accepts an iframe embed code rather than a plain URL, which is what most third-party tools provide when you look for their "embed" or "share" option.
Link opening options
When you add an External Content item, you select how the link opens:
Internal (recommended): renders the page inside Strategy Overview so the user stays in the platform.
New Tab: opens the link in a new browser tab.
New Window: opens the link in a new browser window.
Redirect: navigates the current browser tab to the URL. This is primarily used for linking to other pages within the Strategy Overview app itself.
Customizing the module label
You can rename the External Content module to whatever label makes sense for your clients (e.g., "Resources," "Dashboards," "Knowledge Base"). Module labels are customized in module settings.
How MSPs use the External Content Module
This is one of the things that makes Strategy Overview so flexible as a client portal. Some common use cases:
A link to the client's billing portal from their accounting or payment provider
An embedded new user request form (from Cognito Forms, your RPA software, or any form tool)
A link to the client's remote access server or VPN portal
Links to training materials, acceptable use policies, or onboarding documentation
An embedded BrightGauge or other reporting dashboard
Anything web-based that your clients need quick access to can live here, which means fewer tools for clients to bookmark and remember.
Adding to Reports
External Content and Embed Content can also be added as Parts inside a Report. This lets you include external resources alongside your Assessments, Dashboards, and other strategy content during a TSM. For details on how Parts work, see Parts Overview.