Microsoft Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams

Introducing Microsoft Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams

Earlier in the year, Microsoft announced the introduction of its new data platform, known then as Project Oakdale. This week Microsoft announced the official name and general availability of Dataverse for Teams.

What is Microsoft Dataverse?

Microsoft Dataverse is the new name for Microsoft’s Common Data Service- the highly functional, easy to manage data platform that powers Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. As a low-code data service, Microsoft’s Dataverse transforms your organisational data and improves the way businesses accelerate processes and create purpose-built apps.

Along with introducing a fresh new name, Microsoft is making some changes to the terminology used to describe aspects of what was previously known as the Common Data Service.

  • Previously known as
  • Entity
  • Field
  • Record
  • Option Set
  • Two Options
  • Now known as
  • Table
  • Column
  • Row
  • Choice
  • Yes/No

What is Microsoft Dataverse for Teams?

The Common Data Service name change is part of Microsoft’s bigger picture to introduce the power of Dataverse. One key aspect of this strategy is the introduction of Microsoft Dataverse for Teams, which was announced as generally available this week.

Dataverse for Teams enables Microsoft Teams users to leverage a subset of the powerful Dataverse capabilities at no additional cost. It gives Teams users access to a suite of embedded Power Platform tools, making it even easier for users to build low-code business apps, automate processes and deploy chatbots, without leaving their Teams application. This announcement further develops the role of Microsoft Teams as a centralised hub for all your organisation’s work, not just for collaboration and communication.

The buzz surrounding Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams is well and truly building. It’s become clear to us through conversations with our customers that the introduction of Dataverse for Teams will allow significantly more organisations to leverage the benefits of the Power Platform. Microsoft stated that since Dataverse for Teams entered preview in September, the number of organisations that are using the Power Platform in Teams to transform business processes has doubled.

What new features does it bring?

Power Apps in Teams

The new embedded Power Apps Studio within Teams makes it easier for users to create, edit and share low-code purpose-built business apps. App makers can connect to data from Dataverse or one of the hundreds of other available data sources.

Power BI in Teams

Users can now utilise the capabilities of Power BI within their Teams application. This provides a centralised and consumable data view for organisational reporting and insights, enabling users to make quicker and better decisions.

Power Automate in Teams

Dataverse for Teams means it is now easier than ever to automate processes with Power Automate. Users can quickly build Flows with the new homepage view in Teams, meaning they can save time and focus on their most pressing work with fewer distractions.

Power Virtual Agents in Teams

The new embedded Power Virtual Agents authoring studio in Teams means users can easily build, share and use chatbots to accelerate and automate internal support. By creating HR, IT Helpdesk or FAQ bots with Dataverse for Teams, you can empower colleagues to self-serve and free up time for these teams to focus on other priorities.

What are the benefits?

  • Included in Office 365 licensing

    Dataverse for Teams is included in Office 365 licences, so all Microsoft Teams users will be able to leverage it without any additional licensing costs.

  • Empowers citizen developers

    The low-code approach means all Teams users can now become citizen developers, saving them time and making the process of solving their business challenges easier.

  • Secure and easy to manage platform

    Dataverse for Teams uses the existing Power Platform data governance model. Admins have access control in the Teams admin centre just like any other Teams feature, any more detailed security or permissions (i.e. Data Loss Prevention policies) can be controlled within the Power Platform Admin Centre.

  • Automated management

    Dataverse for Teams simplifies environment lifecycle and user security role management by aligning to Teams constructs. Data is stored securely, and users can only see it if you grant them access.

  • Effective pre-built templates available

    Out-of-the-box, ready to use templates means organisations can get started quickly. Templates can also be customised and deployed efficiently with intelligent Power Platform tools. One great template to get started with is the Employee Ideas App which provides a platform for colleagues to share and discuss new ideas. Find out more about the Employee Ideas Template App.

  • Speeds up professional app development

    Dataverse supports professional developers to build and develop apps quickly and cost effectively. Power Apps and Microsoft Azure API Management now work together seamlessly, enabling professional developers to scale Power Apps with custom connectors hosted in Azure.

  • Easier access to your Dynamics 365 Data

    If your organisation uses Dynamics 365, Dataverse will help to improve your utilisation of your Dynamics 365 data, as this data is stored within Dataverse. This means you can quickly build and deploy apps that connect to this data.

If you are ready to get started with Dataverse or Dataverse for Teams, we are here to help. Get in touch at info@pythagoras.co.uk with any questions you may have or to find out how you can get started.

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