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Microsoft

Welcome to course 1 on Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals!

This course provides an overview of modules within the Power Platform ecosystem. You will gain a solid understanding of its capabilities & potential for building powerful business solutions, get insights into data connectors & their role in integrating, interacting with different data sources.

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Welcome to course 1 on Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals!

This course provides an overview of modules within the Power Platform ecosystem. You will gain a solid understanding of its capabilities & potential for building powerful business solutions, get insights into data connectors & their role in integrating, interacting with different data sources.

You will delve into Microsoft Dataverse, a secure scalable data platform at the core of Power Platform, understand how it allows you to define relationships between tables & entities, enabling efficient management & organization of your data, learn about its environments, which play a crucial role in separating & managing data & apps within Power Platform.

You will also discover how Power Apps empowers you to create applications tailored to your business needs, enhancing productivity & efficiency. Real-world examples, such as the Heathrow Airport customer case study, provide practical insights into successful Power Platform implementations.

Finally, you will also be introduced to the Exam PL-900.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Describe the components of Microsoft Power Platform, the business value for customers, & security of the technology.

2. Define the basic concepts of the Dataverse and ways you can connect and customize data connections to Microsoft Power Platform applications.

3. Recognize the value and capabilities of Power Apps & ways other organizations have leveraged this technology to build simple applications for their business.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Appropriate for learners who work in or are going into the Tech industry
Emphasizes the business value of utilizing the Microsoft Power Platform
Stresses the security measures employed by the Microsoft Power Platform
Covers fundamental concepts of Dataverse, an essential component of the platform
Provides insights into data connectors and their integration within the platform
Introduces Power Apps and how they empower customized application creation

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Reviews summary

Foundational microsoft power platform introduction

Learners say this course offers an excellent starting point and solid foundation for the Microsoft Power Platform. Students consistently praise its clear explanations and well-structured content, making complex topics like Dataverse environments and Power Apps creation accessible. The inclusion of real-world examples, such as the Heathrow case study, is highlighted as particularly valuable for grasping practical applications. While it provides a strong overview of components and business value and introduces concepts relevant for Exam PL-900, some learners desire more hands-on practical exercises to solidify their understanding, noting it's a fundamental overview rather than a deep dive.
Introduces fundamental concepts for the PL-900 exam.
"I found the introduction to Exam PL-900 particularly useful for guiding my next steps."
"It introduces the PL-900 exam... good for a general understanding."
"It prepares you well for the PL-900 fundamental concepts."
Real-world case studies enhance practical understanding.
"The real-world examples, especially the Heathrow case study, made the concepts very tangible."
"The Heathrow case study was a nice touch, giving practical insights."
"The course really highlights the potential of the Power Platform for business solutions."
Concepts are presented in an easy-to-understand manner.
"The explanations are clear, and the real-world examples... made the concepts very tangible."
"The content is well-structured and easy to follow for a beginner."
"The instructor explains complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner."
An excellent and comprehensive introduction to the platform.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone new to the Microsoft Power Platform."
"Absolutely fantastic introduction! It demystifies the Power Platform and provides a solid foundation."
"I came into this course with zero Power Platform knowledge, and I feel much more confident now."
Could benefit from more interactive exercises and labs.
"My only minor critique is that some sections could have a bit more hands-on practical exercises."
"I felt it was a bit too high-level at times, and I wished for more practical labs."
"I would have liked perhaps a small project or more guided exercises to apply the concepts immediately."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Microsoft Power Platform with these activities:
Review Data Management Basics
Prepare for the course by brushing up on your data management skills, including data manipulation, SQL, and databases.
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Show steps
  • Review SQL queries and commands.
  • Practice data manipulation techniques.
  • Explore different database concepts and structures.
Compile a knowledge base on Microsoft Power Platform
Strengthen your understanding of the course content by compiling your own knowledge base, which will serve as a valuable resource for future reference.
Browse courses on Power Platform
Show steps
  • Review course materials and take notes
  • Create a structured knowledge base using a tool or software
  • Organize and categorize the information
  • Review and update the knowledge base regularly
Explore Microsoft Power Platform Documentation
Enhance your understanding of the platform by exploring official Microsoft documentation and tutorials on its various components.
Browse courses on Microsoft Power Platform
Show steps
  • Visit the Microsoft Power Platform documentation website.
  • Read tutorials on creating apps, automating workflows, and analyzing data.
  • Follow step-by-step guides on specific platform features.
  • Explore community forums and Q&A sections for additional insights.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Create a sample workflow to automate business process
Empower yourself to build simple yet powerful applications tailored to your business needs by creating this sample workflow.
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Show steps
  • Identify a business process to automate
  • Create a workflow in Power Automate
  • Connect data sources and configure actions
  • Test and publish your workflow
Create a custom Power App
Gain hands-on experience in building your own Power App, engaging your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
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Show steps
  • Define the purpose and scope of your app
  • Choose the appropriate data sources
  • Design the user interface
  • Add functionality and logic
  • Test and publish your app
Develop a presentation on Power Platform case study
Solidify your understanding by creating a presentation on a real-world Power Platform case study, showcasing your ability to apply the concepts to practical scenarios.
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Show steps
  • Research and select a relevant Power Platform case study
  • Analyze the case study and identify key insights
  • Develop a structure and outline for your presentation
  • Create visual aids and supporting materials
  • Rehearse and deliver your presentation
Create a Simple Power App
Reinforce your understanding of Power Apps by creating a basic application that addresses a simple business need.
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Show steps
  • Identify a simple business problem or process to automate.
  • Design the app's layout and user interface.
  • Configure data sources and connect to relevant data.
  • Add controls and functionality to the app.
  • Test and publish the app in a test environment.
Discuss Real-World Power Platform Implementations
Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas and experiences on how Microsoft Power Platform has been successfully implemented in various industries.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Participate in online discussion forums or join a study group.
  • Share your own insights and experiences.
  • Learn from others' real-world examples and challenges.
  • Identify best practices and industry trends.
Explore advanced Power Platform features through guided tutorials
Deepen your knowledge and expand your skillset by exploring guided tutorials on advanced Power Platform features, pushing your boundaries.
Browse courses on Power Platform
Show steps
  • Identify areas for improvement and expansion
  • Search for and select relevant guided tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
  • Apply the new skills and knowledge to your own projects
Develop and execute a Power Platform solution
Challenge yourself by developing and executing a complete Power Platform solution, putting your skills to the test and simulating real-world project experiences.
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Show steps
  • Identify a problem or opportunity to solve
  • Design and plan your solution
  • Build and configure your Power Platform components
  • Test and deploy your solution
  • Monitor and iterate on your solution
Participate in a Power Platform hackathon or competition
Put your skills to the test in a competitive environment by participating in a Power Platform hackathon or competition, pushing your abilities and learning from others.
Browse courses on Power Platform
Show steps
  • Find and register for a relevant Power Platform hackathon or competition
  • Form a team or work individually
  • Develop a solution within the given time frame
  • Present your solution to a panel of judges
Develop a Power Platform Implementation Plan
Apply your knowledge by creating a plan for implementing Microsoft Power Platform within an organization.
Browse courses on Project Planning
Show steps
  • Define project scope and objectives.
  • Identify potential use cases and business processes for automation.
  • Plan for data integration, security, and governance.
  • Develop a roadmap for phased implementation and deployment.
  • Outline a strategy for user adoption and training.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Microsoft Power Platform will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 40 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Microsoft Power Platform.
Foundational text for understanding the underlying principles of data systems, which are crucial for comprehending how data connectors function at a deeper level. It covers essential concepts like data models, storage, retrieval, and distributed systems. While not solely focused on 'Data Connectors,' the comprehensive coverage of data systems architecture makes it invaluable for anyone seeking to understand the 'how and why' behind data connectivity and integration. It is widely recommended for both students and professionals in data engineering and related fields.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to Microsoft Dataverse and the Power Platform. It provides a foundational understanding of Dataverse's role, its layers, and how to work with tables, relationships, business logic, and security. It's particularly useful for power users and citizen developers looking to build scalable business solutions without extensive coding experience.
Great resource for developers who want to learn more about the developer features of Power Apps. It covers topics such as data integration, security, and performance.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Power Apps, covering everything from creating simple apps to building complex solutions. It great resource for both beginners and experienced developers.
Delves into the technologies and techniques specifically used for data integration, making it highly relevant to the topic of data connectors. It covers architectural patterns and solutions for integrating structured and unstructured data. It valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of implementing data integration solutions and the role of connectors within these systems. This book is suitable for managers and architects involved in designing data integration strategies.
While framed as an exam guide for the PL-200 certification, this book serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the role of a functional consultant working with the Power Platform and Dataverse. It covers key areas like data modeling in Dataverse, designing user experiences, building apps, managing automation, and integrating with Microsoft 365. is valuable for those aiming for the PL-200 certification or seeking a deep dive into the functional aspects of Dataverse implementation.
Given the mention of Microsoft PowerApps and Power Platform in the course names, this book on Azure Data Factory is highly relevant as ADF key data integration service within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. It provides practical guidance on building ETL/ELT pipelines using a cloud-based tool, which is directly applicable to connecting and moving data in Azure environments.
This practical guide is aimed at both power users and developers, focusing on building end-to-end solutions using the Microsoft Power Platform, where Dataverse plays a central role as the data source. It provides a comprehensive overview of leveraging the platform to address business needs and useful reference for understanding how Dataverse fits into broader solutions.
This handbook is geared towards solution architects and would provide a higher-level view of designing solutions with the Power Platform, including how Dataverse fits into the overall architecture. It's suitable for those looking to understand the strategic implementation of Dataverse.
Great resource for developers who want to learn more about the missing features of Power Apps. It covers topics such as data integration, security, and performance.
Aligned with the Microsoft focus in the course names, this book provides an introduction to data services within Microsoft Azure. It covers various Azure data storage and processing services, which are common endpoints for data connectors in a cloud environment. is particularly useful for those looking to understand how data connectors are utilized within the Azure ecosystem.
Provides a detailed look into the inner workings of databases and distributed data systems, which are frequently the sources or targets of data connectors. Understanding database internals helps in optimizing data retrieval and storage, which is critical for efficient data connectivity. This book is suitable for those seeking a deeper technical understanding of the systems that data connectors interact with.
Focuses specifically on using Microsoft Dataverse to build business applications. It delves into the capabilities required to build data models for real-world scenarios, making it a good resource for those looking to apply Dataverse concepts in practice.
Apache Airflow popular tool for orchestrating data pipelines, which heavily rely on data connectors. This cookbook provides practical recipes for building and managing ETL/ELT pipelines using Airflow. It's a valuable resource for those working with Airflow to automate their data integration workflows and manage complex dependencies between data sources and destinations.
Focuses on building solutions with Power Apps, with new chapters specifically covering how to integrate apps with Dataverse. It's a valuable resource for understanding how to leverage Dataverse as the data storage system for Power Apps and is suitable for business analysts, IT professionals, and developers alike.
Explores modern data architecture patterns like Data Mesh and Data Fabric, which influence how data is connected and accessed within organizations at scale. Understanding these architectures provides context for the evolving role of data connectors in distributed data environments. It is relevant for architects and senior data professionals shaping data strategy.
Offers a foundational understanding of how to design and implement a data governance program. Given the increasing importance of data governance in ensuring data quality and compliance across connected systems, this book provides essential knowledge for anyone involved in managing data connections responsibly within an organization.
Data security critical aspect of data connectors, as data is often in transit or being accessed across different systems. provides an introduction to technical and organizational measures for data security. Understanding these concepts is vital for implementing data connectors in a secure and compliant manner, protecting data from unauthorized access and breaches.
Specifically addresses data modeling within the context of Azure Data Services. Since Azure is mentioned in the course names, this provides a focused approach to designing data structures for common Azure data platforms, which are often targets or sources for data connectors in that ecosystem. It is useful for those working with Azure data solutions.
This cookbook-style book focuses on solving business challenges with Power Apps, and it would likely include recipes and examples demonstrating how to effectively use Dataverse as the data source for these solutions. It's a practical resource for applying Dataverse knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Great introduction to Power Apps for beginners. It covers the basics of the platform and provides step-by-step instructions on how to create your first app.
APIs are a common type of data connector, and this book provides a thorough understanding of designing and building RESTful APIs. It covers the principles and best practices of API design, which are essential for creating effective and reliable data connections. is valuable for developers and architects who need to build or interact with APIs as data sources or destinations.
Presents an approach to data governance that focuses on integrating governance into existing processes with minimal disruption. For those implementing or managing data connectors, understanding non-invasive data governance can help ensure that data connectivity aligns with governance policies effectively and efficiently.
Data stewardship key component of data governance and is highly relevant to the responsible use of data connectors. provides practical guidance on establishing effective data stewardship programs, which are essential for ensuring data quality and accountability when connecting to and using data from various sources.
While primarily focused on Power Automate, this book would be relevant for understanding how to automate business processes using data stored in Dataverse. It helps connect the data layer (Dataverse) with the process automation layer (Power Automate).
Offers a practical and accessible introduction to relational database design. Since many data connectors interact with relational databases, understanding database design principles is beneficial for optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity when connecting to these sources. It's a good starting point for those new to database concepts.
SQL fundamental language for interacting with many data sources that data connectors access. highlights common mistakes and inefficient practices in SQL programming and database design. Understanding these antipatterns helps in writing more efficient queries and designing better database interactions, which can improve the performance and reliability of data connectors.
Similar to the other Power Automate book, this resource would be valuable for understanding how to build automated workflows that interact with data stored in Dataverse. It reinforces the interconnectedness of the Power Platform components.
This cookbook covers a wide range of Microsoft 365 applications, including the Power Platform and Dataverse. It would provide context on how Dataverse integrates with other Microsoft services, which is valuable for professionals working within the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
Although a fundamentals guide for the entire Power Platform, this book provides an overview of Dataverse as a core component. It is suitable for those new to the Power Platform and Dataverse, offering foundational knowledge that is helpful before diving into more specialized topics.

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