What this book covers
Section 1: The Basics
Chapter 1, Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Overview, gives you an overall look at the components of Microsoft Power Platform. You will establish a firm understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 365 modules for building CRM and ERP solutions as well as the other modules for leveraging artificial intelligence and using HoloLens. At the end, you will learn the basics of Power Platform and Dynamics 365 licensing.
In Chapter 2, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure Overview, you will get an overview of the two other Microsoft cloud services, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure, in the context of a Power Platform solution. You will learn about all the components used in this context, and how a solution can benefit from integrating with them. You will also get a basic overview of how those cloud components are licensed.
Section 2: The Architecture
In Chapter 3, Understanding the Microsoft Power Platform Architecture, we will dive deep into the world of Power Platform architecture. You will learn about the infrastructure, architecture, and structure of the Power Platform cloud components. You will see what client components are available for the various devices used today. After that, we will focus on the administration and monitoring possibilities before turning to the various architectural best practices proven for Power Platform implementations in large organizations.
Chapter 4, Power Platform Customization and Development Tools and Techniques, will cover the tools and techniques used to configure and customize Power Platform solutions. These tools and techniques are for when the low-code/no-code approach does not cover advanced client requirements and custom development is necessary. You will also learn about some of the tools that support the application lifecycle of Power Platform solutions.
In Chapter 5, Application Lifecycle Management, you will become familiar with the possibilities that open up when adopting application lifecycle management (ALM) principles for Power Platform solution architecture. You will learn the details about solution management as the main ALM approach for all parts of a solution, asides from Power BI. Then, we will have a look at the possibilities for ALM in Power BI. You will also understand how Microsoft Azure DevOps and GitHub can help you make ALM smooth, easy, and fully automated. At the end, you will be presented with a collection of ALM related best practices.
Section 3: The Implementation
Chapter 6, Implementation Approach and Methodologies, is a specific chapter where you will learn a lot of practical details on how to understand client’s enterprise architecture. You will see what project implementation methodologies are available and often used for Power Platform projects and how to prepare an implementation project. Finally, we will look at a typical project setup in terms of roles and responsibilities and an enterprise project lifecycle from the very beginning to when the solution is brought into production.
In Chapter 7, Microsoft Power Platform Security, we will focus on all aspects of Power Platform solution security. You will learn all the details of authentication within Microsoft cloud solutions with specifics for Power Platform. Next you will see how the authorization in the various Power Platform components can be implemented. At the end, you will learn a large array of security-related best practices.
In Chapter 8, Microsoft Power Platform Extensibility, you will dive deep into the extensibility of various Power Platform components. You will learn what can be achieved by configuration and customization as well as what types of requirements need to be developed with code. This chapter is mainly dedicated to Dataverse applications, but you will also gain an understanding of the extensibility of canvas apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. As usual, at the end, we present various extensibility best practices.
Chapter 9, Microsoft Power Platform Integration, will explain to you that every complex Power Platform solution is heavily integrated with two things: other Microsoft cloud services and the client’s own IT ecosystem. That’s why it is very important to understand the integration possibilities for Power Platform. In this chapter, you will learn about all those Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure integration options, from which most can be achieved by a simple configuration. Further, you will see how a custom frontend and backed integration can be implemented and what the typical integration patterns and solution approaches are. Additionally, we will explore several integration capabilities of Power Virtual Agents, AI Builder, and Power BI.
Chapter 10, Microsoft Power Platform Data Migration, is dedicated to data migration. In most cases, the successful implementation of a Power Platform solution must be accompanied with a data migration effort to bring all the useful data from a client’s various legacy IT systems and solutions into Power Platform. In this chapter, you will learn the usual data migration strategies and what tools and solutions can be used for this purpose. At the end you will be presented with best practices to mitigate the different challenges of a complex data migration.
Appendix
Best Practices for Solution Architecture, found at the end of this book, consolidates the key principles of each chapter into one place. You will find professional advice regarding architecture, ALM, security, and extensibility. Along the way, you will revisit topics and resolve dilemmas, such as evaluating environment strategies or identifying the scenarios in which you would need multiple tenants. Finally, there will be a list of the best practices to follow when performing data migration.