Data Integration through Common Data Services (CDS) In Microsoft Power Platform Implementation.
Microsoft has developed this aPaaS (Application Platform as a service) concept as the Microsoft Power Platform Implementation, an end-to-end business application platform that includes the Common Data Service, PowerApps, Power BI, and Flow technologies, and now underpins the Dynamics 365 applications (formerly called “CRM”) that many organizations already know. Together, these technologies fulfill the promises of aPaaS, enabling business and technology partners to:
• On spot create custom, attractive, no-code / low-code applications that meet different business and user group needs.
• “No Cliffs” development with tools that are easily extensible by professional developers and readily integrated with Azure cloud services.
• Integrate all data automatically with the platform – no hassle for creating custom components – and make that data available to any other applications as well
COMMON DATA SERVICE (CDS)
The magic of Microsoft Power Platform Implementation’s data integration is in the Common Data Service (CDS). Long-time Microsoft Dynamics / CRM developers easily catch the potential of xRM (short form for CRM), while users of that application no doubt recognize the most convenient way that data kept in one type of Dynamics record has been available, referenceable, and usable throughout the application. CDS represents the long-awaited next generation of that capability enabling applications that extend far beyond the old school Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functions.
Newbie or some professional, the upshot here is that all data generated by all applications built on the platform resides in CDS. That means that data associated with an application built to track (say) training qualifications for employees at a federal government agency can be seamlessly shared that agency’s application built for (say) asset management, allowing one’s qualification on a vehicle to determine which vehicles he may check out, or one’s job position to drive which gear she is issued.
An application built to collect the experience or review of a patients about the hospital can propagate data to a separate mobile app that gives hospital attendants the insight they need to personalize each patients' experience. Catchup with the heath of the patient even after discharge. Give them an additional benefit of bull body checkup under a minimal amount, assure them “we’re are with you”.
This integration of data on the platform happens natively, with no custom components required, and is controlled to a granular application, user, and field level through a suite of proven, native security controls.
INTEGRATIONS WITH THIRD PARTY SERVICES
Closed ecosystems are not an in concept anymore. Though CDS is today home to data from an incredible line of business use cases, the Microsoft Power Platform Implementation helps in the assumption that in-house data alone is insufficient to serve the customers, answer the questions, and empower the employees necessary to accomplish the mission.
Microsoft has built hundreds of connectors that provide out-of-the-box integration of data not just from Microsoft services (e.g. SharePoint, Office 365, LinkedIn), but to many popular (and some unpopular) third party services diverse as Twitter, Word Press, Sales Force, Todoist, Facebook, and Basecamp.
In keeping with the no-code / low-code and citizen creator philosophy that underpins the entire platform, these connectors allow users and developers alike to splice together data found in the CDS with data resident throughout the third-party ecosystem, and to then leverage that data as part of the interactive user experience through PowerApps, or to visualize and model it through Power BI. The “No Cliffs” promise applies as well, as the platform further provides the ability for developers to create custom data connectors to services for which an out-of-the-box connecter does not yet exist.
Summing up Microsoft Power Platform Implementation
This is a platform that grows around your organization, not a single purpose application that knows only one trick. It will surprise you at each step with its ability to outperform. So, you can explore ways that AIS is helping customers (and ourselves) embrace the no-code / low-code paradigm, grow beyond custom application development, and leave quasi-apps behind. It can sky rocket your business with hassle free implementation of your data and saving your tons of time for some other productive stuff.
