Welcome to part 4 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

• Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
• Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
• Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
• Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

In this post:

• Having some knowledge about platform-specific vernacular helps to utilize Copilot
• Businesses can choose to build their own apps or use the “out-of-the-box” business applications
• Microsoft is actively working on ways to better integrate Power Apps with ERP solutions (such as Finance & Supply Chain or Business Central)
• The best way to learn about new tools, such as copilot, is to dive in and gets hands-on experience
• Spoiler!  Ryan’s favorite hotdish is egg bake

How important is it for citizen developers to understand the terminology and structured jargon to effectively use tools like Copilot?

Ryan: Understanding specific terminology or jargon isn’t strictly necessary to start using Copilot, but having some knowledge can improve the quality of prompts and outcomes. As Copilot evolves, it’s becoming more intuitive, reducing the need for specialized knowledge. However, refining prompts through trial and error enhances results, making even complex tasks more accessible to those without deep technical backgrounds.

How do you advise organizations to decide between using Dynamics 365 and building custom solutions with Power Apps, considering costs, maintenance, and functionality?

Ryan: The decision largely depends on the specific needs and context of the organization. For core business functions like sales, customer service, or field service, leveraging Dynamics 365 is often more cost-effective in the long run due to the continuous improvements and maintenance provided by Microsoft’s engineering teams. The value embedded in Dynamics solutions, with their deep industry and functional expertise, often surpasses the cost difference compared to Power Apps. However, for unique, non-standard business processes not covered by Dynamics 365, building custom solutions with Power Apps can be more appropriate, offering flexibility and cost savings. The key is evaluating the long-term total cost of ownership and the strategic fit of the solution.

How is Microsoft enhancing the integration between Power Apps and ERP solutions to provide out-of-the-box applications and improve data layer interactions for multi-workload projects?

Ryan: Microsoft is actively enhancing integration between Power Apps and ERP solutions by offering out-of-the-box applications and improving data layer interactions. We’re focusing on creating seamless links between different backends, such as virtual entities and dual-write capabilities, to deliver consistent and purpose-built experiences. This approach is key for customers working across various Microsoft stacks, allowing them to benefit from a unified data ecosystem. Moreover, advancements in Power Apps mobile architecture, including native rendering of controls on iOS and Android, stem from these integrations, significantly boosting performance and user experience across all Power Apps.

With the rapid advancements in AI and tools like Copilot, how should users approach learning and interacting with these technologies?

Ryan: Users should dive in and experiment with these tools, understanding that their capabilities are rapidly expanding. Feedback, like using the thumbs down for unsatisfactory responses, directly contributes to improvements. Keeping an open mind and staying updated on new features will help users adapt to and benefit from the evolving landscape of AI-assisted development.

It wouldn’t be a complete interview with the Dynamics Hotdish if we didn’t ask our signature question: What is your favorite hotdish?

Ryan: I’m throwing a curveball with my favorite – egg bake! Is it a hotdish? I’d argue yes, with its one-pan magic, crunchy top, and, of course, copious amounts of cheese. It’s a culinary masterpiece courtesy of my mother-in-law, packed with sausage, broccoli, and that essential Midwest ingredient – cheese. It’s a tribute to my Northwoods family ties in Northern Minnesota, blending tradition with a breakfast twist. Trust me, it’s a dish that unites all Midwesterners, even when we’re braving those ice fishing expeditions at 40 below!

Through this blog series, we’ve explored the evplution of Power Apps, discussed significant enhancements in user experience, examined efforts to simplify app development, and addressed critical decision-making processes for organizations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ryan Cunningham for his invaluable insights shared during the interview. His expertise and vision have provided us with a deeper understanding of the transformative strides Microsoft is making with Copilot and app development with Power Apps.

Additionally, we express our sincere appreciation to Microsoft for inviting us to Microsoft Ignite 2023, where we had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn about the latest innovations firsthand.

Welcome to part 3 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

• Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
• Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
• Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
• Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps

In this post:

• Copilot gives key insights to users directly within canvas apps and model-driven apps
• Microsoft is exploring ways to integrate Copilot functionality into Power Apps on mobile devices
• Newly introduced offline profiles for canvas apps allows users to access the app in areas with no connectivity

How does the new Copilot functionality enhance the user experience in both Canvas and model-driven apps, specifically in terms of data interaction?

Ryan: The new Copilot functionality is a significant leap forward, automatically embedding in any app built over Dataverse. This means users can ask Copilot questions about their data directly within the app, streamlining how they interact with and navigate their data. For instance, asking about inventory directly leads the user to the relevant view without manual searching. It’s primarily text-based for now, but we’re exploring voice interactions, especially on mobile. This integration creates a more focused and efficient user experience, making data access within apps much more intuitive and immediate.

How do you envision Copilot enhancing the mobile experience for Power Apps users, especially in the context of sales or customer service applications?

Ryan: We’re exploring how to best integrate Copilot into the mobile experience, recognizing the unique needs of mobile users compared to desktop scenarios. Copilot’s ability to minimize manual input and summarize information is particularly beneficial for mobile users. We’re looking into leveraging voice commands, sensor data, and other mobile-specific features to enrich the Copilot experience. This focus on mobile innovation reflects our commitment to improving usability and efficiency for users on the go, particularly in dynamic fields like sales and customer service. Expect more details on these developments in upcoming events.

How has the introduction of mobile offline profiles for Canvas apps improved the experience for users, especially in field service or other frontline work scenarios?

Ryan: The introduction of mobile offline profiles to Canvas apps has significantly enhanced the user experience, especially for frontline workers. By enabling data synchronization over Dataverse, users can access and interact with necessary data even without an internet connection. This functionality allows for more tailored app layouts and specific task-oriented designs, offering a lot of flexibility and efficiency for large populations of frontline workers. It’s a big step forward in making mobile applications more robust and user-friendly in scenarios where consistent internet access is a challenge.

Welcome to part 2 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

• Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
• Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
• Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
• Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot

In this post:

• Copilot is making Power Apps more accessible for citizen developers by making app development more efficient
• Copilot is guiding users toward best practices within the Power Platform
• Citizen developers don’t necessarily need to understand underlying code when using low-code platforms, or Copilot, to build applications

How will Copilot integration into Power Platform, especially with the capability to build tables and model-driven apps, impact the efficiency and accessibility of app development?

Ryan: Copilot integration is already significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of app development within the Power Platform. By enabling users to quickly create tables in Dataverse and subsequently generate model-driven apps, we’re simplifying what was previously a complex process. This integration not only accelerates the development cycle but also makes app creation more accessible to a broader audience, reducing the learning curve. With Copilot’s assistance, users can focus more on the functionality and less on the tedious aspects of app design, making the development process both faster and more intuitive.

How do Copilot and Power Platform ensure users start their app development projects following best practices, especially regarding data management and app design?

Ryan: Copilot and Power Platform guide users towards best practices by defaulting to robust and scalable solutions like Dataverse for data management. This approach not only simplifies the development process by reducing the need for deep technical database knowledge but also ensures that apps are built on a solid, secure, and scalable foundation. By integrating best practices directly into the user experience and leveraging modern, responsive templates, the platform removes decision points that might lead to less optimal outcomes, ensuring users start their projects on the right foot.

Is it essential for citizen developers to understand the underlying code, like PowerFX, when using tools like Copilot to build apps?

Ryan: Not necessarily. The philosophy behind low-code platforms and tools like Copilot is to elevate users beyond the need to deeply understand or manage lower-level coding details. This abstraction enables greater efficiency and innovation by allowing users to focus on solving business problems rather than coding complexities. However, a basic understanding of the underlying principles can enhance a user’s ability to leverage these tools effectively and creatively. Copilot can also serve as a learning tool, helping users to gradually understand PowerFX by example.

Welcome to part 1 of 4 of our special blog series where we share details on our interview with Ryan Cunningham, the Vice President of Power Apps at Microsoft. We had the privilege of talking with Ryan during Microsoft Ignite in November 2023. During our conversation, we touched on a variety of topics around Power Apps and Copilot, and this series will break down the insights and announcements that were made at Ignite around Power Apps.

What does the series include?

• Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration
• Part 2: Building Apps More Efficiently and Following Best Practices with Copilot
• Part 3: Enhancing User Experience with Power Apps
• Part 4: Decision-Making and Learning in the AI-Enhanced Development Landscape

Part 1: Evolution and Impact of Power Apps and AI Integration

In this post:

• Community has shaped the development of Power Apps
• Copilot Studio is shaping technology transformation within organizations
• The importance of governance with Copilot and how Microsoft is ensuring appropriate security of businesses’ data
• Microsoft is on a continuous journey to ensure the output of Copilot prompts are high-quality to reduce misinformation
• AI is democratizing development for functional and technical people, making application development more accessible

With Power Apps having evolved so significantly since its early days, could you share a key lesson or insight you’ve gained from this journey?

Ryan: Absolutely, one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of listening to our community. It’s not just about creating powerful tools but also about understanding the real-world problems our users are facing. This journey has been about connecting technology with those who need it most, in ways that genuinely add value to their work. Seeing over 20 million users engage with Power Apps recently just underscores the impact of that focus. It’s been an incredible journey of growth and learning.

How do you envision these announcements, especially Copilot Studio and the expanded governance, transforming the way organizations approach software development and management?

Ryan: These innovations are game-changers. By integrating Copilot Studio, we’re making it easier for anyone to build sophisticated, AI-powered applications without deep coding expertise. This democratizes app development, opening up new possibilities for innovation across all levels of an organization. And with the advancements in governance, we’re ensuring that this wave of democratization doesn’t compromise security or manageability. It’s about empowering organizations to rapidly adapt and innovate while maintaining control and compliance. It’s a balance of freedom and framework that truly transforms how software serves business needs.

How does Microsoft ensure the Copilot integrations adhere to complex enterprise security models, especially when handling sensitive business data?

Ryan: Microsoft takes enterprise security very seriously, especially in the AI era. Copilot integrations are designed with the enterprise’s complex security models in mind. This means that access controls, such as role-based access and conditional access, are strictly enforced, ensuring that users can only interact with data they’re authorized to access. Our advantage lies in our deep understanding of these security requirements, from role-based access control to data sovereignty, making our AI experiences not only innovative but also trustworthy and compliant at an enterprise level. It’s about enabling businesses to confidently leverage AI, knowing their data is secure.

With the rapid advancements in AI and its integration into tools like Copilot, how does Microsoft ensure the quality of the code generated, especially considering the varied best practices in software development?

Ryan: Microsoft sets high-quality standards for the code generated by Copilot, preferring to err on the side of caution. If Copilot isn’t confident in its output, it opts not to provide potentially misleading advice. This careful approach underscores the importance of human oversight in the development process. Users are encouraged to exercise judgment and provide feedback, enhancing the system’s accuracy and reliability over time. This collaboration between AI and human insight aims to maintain high standards of quality and adherence to best practices in software development.

How does integrating AI into development tools like Copilot change the landscape for both technical and non-technical users?

Ryan: AI integration into development tools democratizes technology creation by making it accessible to a broader audience. This shift encourages a focus on the valuable expertise individuals bring from their respective fields, rather than on their technical coding skills alone. Copilot acts as a collaborative partner, enhancing users’ capabilities by providing coding assistance, thereby expanding the potential for innovation across all sectors. It’s about augmenting the human workforce with virtual technology experts, making sophisticated development more intuitive and aligned with natural language understanding.