What is DataVerse?

When we talk to people about were to store their data when using PowerApps we often get into a discussion about Dataverse. This then leads to questions about what is it and how do you get it. So we thought we would put together a brief overview about what Dataverse is, how and why to use it, include a few Dataverse some use cases and finish off with some Dataverse frequently asked questions…

What Is DataVerse?

Microsoft Dataverse is a cloud-based storage database that allows businesses to securely store and manage data used by business applications. It includes a base set of standard tables that cover typical scenarios, but you can also create custom tables specific to your organization and populate them with data by using Power Query. App makers can then use Power Apps to build rich applications that use this data. You get access in a limited way to it with Microsoft 365 and its highly possible you could be storing data in Dataverse without even knowing it!

Dataverse provides multiple configurable logic engines which can be applied to application development. Business rules and logic are defined in a Dataverse table and can be applied to model-driven apps across Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, ensuring data consistency regardless of how teams and individual users access the data¹.

Dataverse uses role-based security to group together a collection of privileges. These security roles can be associated directly to users, or they can be associated with Dataverse teams and business units. Users can then be associated with the team, and therefore all users associated with the team will benefit from the role.

How Do I Get DataVerse

It kind of comes with a Microsoft 365 license. If for example you build a PowerApp that is used only in MS Teams then you are allowed to Dataverse to store your data in this.

Generally however most people get and use Dataverse when they purchase a license to use PowerApp premium or Power Pages. The backend structure of these systems are normally stored in Dataverse.

Can You Give Me Some Business Use Dases For Microsoft Dataverse:

Data management

Dataverse lets you securely store and manage data that's used by business applications. Data within Dataverse is stored within a set of tables. A table is a set of rows (formerly referred to as records) and columns (formerly referred to as fields/attributes).

App development

App makers can use Power Apps to build rich applications that use this data³.

Data integration

Dataflows were designed to extract, transform, and load data into Dataverse. This abstract concept can be applied to actual business scenarios.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) about Microsoft Dataverse:

What is Microsoft Dataverse?

Microsoft Dataverse is a cloud-based storage space that allows businesses to securely store and manage data used by business applications.

What is the Common Data Model?

The Common Data Model is a standardized, modular, and extensible collection of data schemas that define entities, attributes, relationships, and semantic metadata. Dataverse use to be called CDM (Common Data Model) prior to Microsoft renaming it Dataverse.

What are some standard entities in the Common Data Model? Dataverse implements the Common Data Model standard entities, such as Account and Contact.

How do I get all the standard entities in my Dataverse database? Some standard entities in the Common Data Model are built in to each Dataverse database.

What is role-based security?

Role-based security is a security model in which access decisions are based on the roles assigned to users or teams.

How does role-based security work in Dataverse?

Dataverse uses role-based security to group together a collection of privileges. These security roles can be associated directly to users, or they can be associated with Dataverse teams and business units. Users can then be associated with the team, and therefore all users associated with the team will benefit from the role.

What types of data technologies does Dataverse incorporate?

Dataverse is designed to work with any type of data and incorporates all the major categories of data technologies that your organization needs—relational, non-relational, file, image, search, and data lake.

What is Power Query?

Power Query is a data connection technology that enables you to discover, connect, combine, and refine data sources to meet your analysis needs.

What are some benefits of using Power Query with Microsoft Dataverse?

Power Query enables you to connect to various data sources such as Excel files or SQL Server databases and then transform that data into a format that can be used by Microsoft Dataverse³.

What are the advantages of using Dataverse over SQL Server?

• Dataverse is required for model-driven apps and portal/power pages apps¹.

• It has a good security model, including the ability to apply column/row level security¹.

• It is simple to use compared to SQL Server and provides great delegation support³.

• It includes a variety of ways to deliver data and insight to key decision-makers⁴.

Can you help us implement Dataverse

Yes of cousre by partnering with a specialist company like Purenetworking, businesses can get the most out of the PowerPlatform and drive its success in your business. Please do contact us to find out how we can help you.