Choosing between external and partner application and problem with login

Question

We have an application on Oracle App Server 10.1.3.3 and we have an OID server.
I had taken this for granted that I should define the application as 'Partner Application' and not external application for single sign on.
Now that we need the 'PASSWORD' retrieved by application, we are considering defining it as an external application.
There are at least two problems I have encountered defining the application as external:
1. 'pageConfig:serverDate' is among the login form's inputs in the login page, but I can't set it in orasso 'Edit External Applications' page
2. After login using SSO as external application and when I click on the application's new link, the login page is shown with the username and password field filled, but I have to click on login button anyway (no automatic and invisible login).
I will be very grateful if someone gives a general view on the differences between external and partner, whether in this case external has to be used or partner and finally give some comment on my specific problem with login button and manual login.
Thank you

Answer 1

Just some information :
- The problem with LOGIN page exists. I don't have that problem with for example GMAIL when defined as external application, but with my applications in Oracle Application Server.
- There is also another thing I don't understand. The link to external application is something like:
javascript:open_jwindow('../ealogin?ID=76D4766','76');
and couldn't be executed outside pls/orasso
in other words we can't give that to our users, can we? They should login to orassso and see that?
We don't want to involve them in Identity Management...
Any help is appreciated....
Regards