Microsoft estimates that over 500 million software applications will be developed over the next five years. The only problem is that there are not enough developers to support that estimate.
According to Microsoft, only about 50 million applications are possible in five users, based on current and expected development capacity. Where will the other 450 million come from? The answer to that is Microsoft’s Power Apps platform. PowerApps is a low-code/no-code solution that enables drag-and-drop applications targeted toward specific needs. There are two types of Power Apps, and we broke down the difference in a recent article on model-driven and Canvas apps.
Features for Canvas driven apps are being pushed out at a record pace. Last week, mixed-reality capabilities were introduced. This week, Microsoft is adding the geospatial capability for Canvas apps.
Mapping Capabilities
One of the prime uses of Power Apps are for “deskless” workers. Many of these jobs are off-site positions that require traveling, such as field technicians and sales representatives. In this context, mapping abilities become extremely important.
The latest update for PowerApps enables interactive maps. Like other Power Apps features, this is drag and drop, and the map style can be set to either a 2D road-view or 3D satellite view. Data represented
on the map can come from many different sources, such as Dynamics 365 (built on the Common Data Service) and even Microsoft Excel.
This data must contain addresses or latitude and longitude values that enable markers to display on the map accordingly. Also, the user’s current location can be displayed on the map. These geospatial capabilities are a big step forward in making Power Apps suitable for a host of different use cases. It also opens the door for additional custom code development using the tools provided.
Address Suggestions
How many times have you entered an incorrect address on accident? Or one that you did not know existed? The Address Suggestion tool in Power Apps aims to fix this. It uses dynamic address suggestions base on fuzzy matching logic. Once an address is typed, suggestions are given for the user to pick from. This suggestion capability is a boon for data integrity and accuracy. Another benefit is proper punctuation and formatting for information going into your database.
These features are only the beginning of an aggressive road map of feature introductions that Microsoft is planning for Power Apps. The platform has been around since 2015 and is becoming a key focus for
Microsoft’s future growth plans. Analysts estimate that Power Apps could become over a $10 billion source of revenue.
The market is moving toward low or no-code based solutions like Power Apps. This platform offers maintainability, compatibility, and ease of deployment for organizations large and small.
If you’re looking for a custom model-driven or Canvas Power app, look no further than Dynamic Consultants Group. We have a team of consultants waiting to turn your business requirements into reality. Contact Dynamic Consultants Group today to schedule a demo. In the meantime, take a look at 360 Customer View for an idea of what is possible with an embedded Canvas app.
