5 Key Takeaways from SharePoint Conference NA

Six Consulting spent an incredible few days in Las Vegas partnering with SharePoint Conference NA 2018. SPC2018 delivered exciting new SharePoint features in both SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-Premises 2019.

Here are some key takeaways from SPC2018 that Six Consulting is excited to see coming in the near future.

PowerApps

For years, we’ve customized standard SharePoint list forms by adding our own JavaScript or CSS to the page. When we needed more, we turned to InfoPath. But all that should be in our rear view mirror now. PowerApps is a natural successor to those methods and gives us the ability to create rich forms including old favorites like cascading dropdowns, improved styling, and internal logic. We can also add in great capabilities like maps, imagery, and data retrieved from calls to outside services. First announced at Ignite Q3 2017, PowerApps has been gaining traction in the SharePoint Development workspace.

From “Classic” to “Modern”

                As organizations have moved to Office 365, many – especially “legacy” SharePoint shops – have resisted the move to the “modern” UIs as much as possible. This is true for both end users and developers. We tend to stick with what we know, and historically the “modern” UIs may not have seemed compelling enough to make the switch. What this means is there is an impending “migration” on the horizon for many organizations which they may not realize is coming. While “classic” doesn’t have a known retirement date, Microsoft’s investments are in the “modern” UIs.

Outlook Actionable Messages

                Whether you are filling out a survey, approving an expense report, or updating a CRM sales opportunity, Actionable Messages enable you to take quick actions right from within Outlook and Teams. Developers can now embed actions in their emails or notifications, elevating user engagement with their services and increasing organizational productivity.

SharePoint Framework

                I know what you’re thinking, “Has it really been 5 years since the SharePoint Add-in model?” Yes, it has. Over the ages we’ve seen a pattern of new and seemingly improved models utilized by SharePoint. The Add-in model, Sandbox solutions, all the way back to Full Trust solutions in MOSS. Eric Overfield has assured us the new and improved model; SharePoint Framework is here to stay.

The SharePoint Framework enforces 1^st and 3^rd parties to all work under the same roof. SharePoint engineering uses the same model out of the box Modern experience uses. SharePoint Framework is a native SharePoint development model based on client-side rendering, open source tooling, and makes it easy to integrate with internal and external data. The SharePoint Framework is available in SharePoint Online and SharePoint 2016+.

SharePoint PnP

Starting as an internal initiative, PnP was initially brought to light through a PnP webcast series starting Q4 2015 and given the title Office Dev PnP. Developed and managed by the SharePoint engineering team, the technology continued growing traction in the Office workspace. The SharePoint team later included community and as it stands today, SharePoint PnP is a community driven, open source initiative where community members and the SharePoint engineering team are sharing their learning’s around best implementation practices for SharePoint and Office 365.