Microsoft Teams and the Microsoft Power Platform are continuing to shape the future of work with low-code apps to power your business. Low-code apps enable users to quickly respond to your ever-evolving business needs while creating custom solutions. The addition of Dataflex allows Teams users to have vital business data at their fingertips to build apps that address pressing problems. But what exactly does Dataflex and Dataflex Pro do, and why do some of its features sound so familiar?
Microsoft Dataflex ecosystem has been rebranded as Project Oakdale by Microsoft. Read more about it here: Microsoft’s Project Oakdale: Your 2020 Everyday Guide.
What is Dataflex and Dataflex Pro?
Dataflex is the new low-code data platform for Microsoft Teams. It provides users with relational data storage, rich data types, enterprise-grade governance, and one-click solution deployment. The Dataflex platform is explicitly designed for those using Power Apps and Power Virtual Agents to build apps and chats bots in Microsoft Teams. Dataflex Pro is the “data backbone” that allows users to store their data in a scalable and secure environment. It is built on top of the entire Common Data Service, enabling teams to create and run thousands for applications, flows, and intelligent agents.
Remember the Common Data Service?
In 2016, when Microsoft first launched Dynamics 365, officials explained its new CRM/ERP platform built on the Common Data Model (CDM). Officials deemed the CDM the business database for storing and managing business entities. But shortly after, Microsoft executives started using Common Data Service, rather than CDM, to explain the wheels and cogs of Dynamics 365. A Common Data Service for Apps and a Common Data Service Analytics found their way into the spotlight as well, confusing users since neither were built on top of the original Common Data Service.
Representatives from Microsoft now explain that Dataflex is being built atop the Common Data Service and is its new name, which may seem complicated. The Common Data Service has never been evident. Changing names and licensing models at will is common practice for the tech powerhouse. Currently, the official name for the Common Data Service within Microsoft Teams is Dataflex, while Dataflex Pro is the new name for the Common Data Service altogether.
Reap the Benefits of Dataflex
Developing low-code apps for your business can benefit your business in ways that go beyond the initial impact. The ability to add business value, increase efficiency, and make your data work for you can readily take your company to the next level. Let us explore a few of the many benefits you may reap from the transition to Dataflex and Dataflex Pro.
Save Time and Increase Efficiency
Dataflex allows you to save time with a fully managed experience. Reduce data management stress by enabling Dataflex to determine your storage needs, and seamlessly connect with Dynamics 365, Office 365, Azure, Visual Studio, Excel Power Query, and other third-party applications. Users can process data more efficiently, boost productivity, and reduce costs by developing apps, processes, and reusable data schemes.
Rely on Trusted Security
Users can rest easy by protecting their data with a robust security management infrastructure that ensures vital security and compliance capabilities. The capabilities include advanced encryption, rich access control, and deep integration with Azure Active Directory.
Empower Your Team
By harnessing the power of Dataflex and Dataflex Pro, your team can quickly develop applications using custom code or little to no code. Developers can browse tables and columns and create queries with seamless integration with over 300 connectors available. The connectivity and agility of Dataflex will free up time for your team, uncovering more space for creativity and innovation.
Improve Your Insights with AI
With more than 300 data transformations that clean and reshape data, users can create a robust data foundation using automatic duplication detection. This feature enhances data analysis through turn-key integration with Power BI, processing data more quickly and accurately.
Dataflex and Your Team
Knowing how these changes to the Common Data Service will impact your business and current subscription is vital to your operations’ continued efficiency and efficacy. Dataflex will be bundled with no additional charge with every Office 365 and Microsoft 365 subscription that includes the ability to use Teams. Additionally, users who have licensed Power Apps can use Dataflex Pro free of charge,
Dataflex is the next logical step in making app building and process animation accessible in Microsoft’s Power Platform. Although every change made to existing platforms is methodical, that does not mean it is not difficult to navigate. If you are concerned about how these changes will affect your current processes, Bauen Solutions is ready to answer your questions.
