Empowering Tomorrow, Today: Unleashing the Power of Citizen
Development, AI Transformation, and Cloud Evolution.
Ch-01 - This chapter introduces Microsoft 365, Teams, and Power Platform within the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem. It covers using a Microsoft work account, MFA, groups, and apps, plus concepts like Citizen development, Low-code/No-code platforms. It emphasizes using Microsoft Cloud for business scenarios, understanding customer narratives, Digital Transformation, and showcases success stories with these tools.
In the first chapter of Citizen Development in Microsoft 365, the author delves into the intricacies of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and the Microsoft Power Platform. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Rapid Application Development (RAD) and contrasts it with custom-built software solutions. It highlights the potential of Low-code and No-code (LCNC) development approaches in creating short-term solutions that can evolve into long-term ones. The chapter aims to familiarize readers with various concepts around RAD, Citizen development, and how to harness the Microsoft Cloud for crafting compelling business scenarios. It also provides an overview of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and the Power Platform, guiding readers on getting started with a Microsoft work account, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and various apps. The chapter underscores the importance of digital transformation and the pivotal role Microsoft 365 plays in such transformational efforts. The digital age has ushered in a new era of software development, where the emphasis is not just on coding but also on accessibility and democratization. Central to this shift is the rise of Low-code and No-code (LCNC) platforms, as highlighted in the chapter. These innovative platforms are transforming the way applications are built, making it possible for individuals without deep coding expertise to design and deploy powerful solutions. By simplifying the development process, LCNC platforms are breaking down barriers, allowing a broader range of individuals to participate in the creation of digital tools. This not only accelerates the pace of innovation but also fosters a more inclusive environment where IT professionals collaborate seamlessly with business users. The result is a more agile, responsive, and diverse software ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern businesses. Microsoft's vision for the future is deeply rooted in the belief that technology should be an enabler, accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise. This ethos is clearly reflected in their strategic investments in platforms such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and the Power Platform. These tools are not just standalone products; they represent a cohesive ecosystem that integrates seamlessly, offering users a range of capabilities from collaboration to automation. By democratizing AI and other advanced technologies, Microsoft is ensuring that businesses, educators, and individuals can harness the power of AI to solve real-world challenges, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. This approach not only positions Microsoft as a leader in the tech industry but also underscores its commitment to fostering a culture where technology amplifies human potential, creativity, and collaboration. The modern workplace is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and shifts in societal expectations. The chapter highlights this evolution, emphasizing the increasing adoption of hybrid work models where employees split their time between traditional office settings and remote locations. This new paradigm presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating tools and solutions that support flexibility while maintaining productivity and collaboration. Microsoft, with its forward-thinking approach, has introduced solutions like Microsoft Viva, specifically tailored to address the nuances of the hybrid workplace. Viva integrates various modules, from employee well-being to knowledge sharing, ensuring that teams remain connected, engaged, and informed, irrespective of where they work. By providing such holistic solutions, Microsoft is not only responding to the immediate needs of businesses but also shaping the future of work, championing an environment that prioritizes both efficiency and employee well-being. In conclusion, the chapter offers a exploration of the evolving landscape of modern workplaces, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in shaping this transformation. As hybrid work models emerge as the new standard, the need for adaptive and integrative solutions becomes paramount. Microsoft, recognizing these shifts, has proactively developed tools like Microsoft Viva to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the hybrid work paradigm. By democratizing AI and fostering a culture of innovation, Microsoft is not only meeting the immediate demands of businesses but also laying the foundation for a future where technology and human potential harmoniously coalesce. This chapter serves as a testament to the importance of adaptability, foresight, and innovation in navigating the ever-changing dynamics of the workplace.
Ch-02 - This chapter covers cloud computing, services, deployment strategies, and citizen development. It details cloud computing's features, shared responsibilities in cloud services, and deployment. It explores citizen development, low-code/no-code platforms, their role in digital transformation, and key figures in this field.
Ch-03 - This chapter details Microsoft 365's services like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, guiding on enhancing work productivity and collaboration. It explores Microsoft Teams' features such as chat, teams, channels, connectors, and apps, and familiarizes readers with the Microsoft 365 app framework, highlighting popular apps across industries.
Ch-04 - Learn design thinking and brainstorming using Whiteboard templates for techniques like affinity diagrams. Master cost/benefit analysis, assumption grids, and gap analysis with templates like empathy maps and storyboarding. Use Forms for data gathering, Sway for digital storytelling, OneNote for real-time collaboration, Bookings for scheduling, and Planner for team collaboration. Explore templates for strategy, project planning, and workshops to boost workplace productivity.
Ch-05 - Learn to use SharePoint for business scenarios with Microsoft Lists, and manage content storage and secure file sharing with OneDrive for Business. Understand transitioning between personal and business accounts, grasp Information Rights Management (IRM), and the limits of OneDrive. Find instructions for creating, editing, and deleting SharePoint sites, lists, and columns, using Microsoft Lists templates, and securely sharing files via OneDrive on Teams, including IRM intricacies and OneDrive restrictions.
Ch-06 - Discover Excel-style low-code programming with Power Fx, covering aspects like expression grammar, imperative logic, data types, operations, variables, and tables. Understand functional programming for creating solutions on Power Platform and integrating them with Microsoft Teams, including implementing Fx formulas in Power Apps.
Ch-07 - Explore various card types like universal cards and their actions, and how to use Microsoft Graph to create adaptive cards and task modules for Teams. Understand adaptive card authoring, rendering, creation, and templating. Learn integrating adaptive cards with Microsoft Graph, incorporating them in the Bot Framework, and applying them in Outlook actionable messages.
Ch-08 - Learn about canvas and model-driven apps in Power Apps, including their integration into personal and tab apps. Understand Dataverse for Teams, covering basic and advanced data types, relational and non-relational storage, file/image support, and data searching techniques. Compare Dataverse for Teams with Microsoft Dataverse to choose the best fit for Microsoft 365 and Teams, while recognizing the limitations of Dataverse within Teams.
Ch-09 - Understand Cloud Security 101, role-based security, and identity solutions in Microsoft 365. Learn about shared responsibility, data sovereignty, and privacy. Explore Microsoft 365 security and compliance services. Compare Microsoft 365 plans for individuals, small/medium businesses, and large enterprises to find the best fit for different situations, considering cloud security challenges and essential components for secure cloud solutions.
Ch-10 - Discover prebuilt AI models like business reader, category classification, and entity extractor, enhancing real-time business solutions. Learn implementing these using AI Builder for the Power Platform. Understand prebuilt models, content assembly, document comprehension, and content services. Explore practical applications and sample scenarios for the Power Platform.
Ch-11 - Explore Generative AI and LLMs in this chapter, aimed at helping citizen developers and business users understand and integrate AI into their digital frameworks. It offers an introduction to Generative AI, explores Power Platform connectors for LLMs-based apps, and teaches using OpenAI APIs in Power Apps via Power Automate flow. Additionally, it discusses emerging trends in citizen development with AI, including tools like AI Builder, OpenAI, and Co-pilot.