Microsoft SharePoint Embedded emerges as a game-changer in cloud-based file and document management. Tailored for universal application, this API-only solution empowers developers to tap into the formidable Microsoft 365 storage platform, revolutionizing data handling for enterprises and ISVs alike. Upon installation, SharePoint Embedded discreetly forges a dedicated storage enclave within the user’s Microsoft 365 tenant, accessible solely via APIs. This innovative approach ensures smooth integration, granting unparalleled control and security over stored content. Join us on a journey to explore the transformative capabilities of SharePoint Embedded, unlocking new dimensions of efficiency and productivity.
Empowering Development with SharePoint Embedded
Introducing SharePoint Embedded API
Harness the robust file and document storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 with SharePoint Embedded, empowering developers to integrate powerful storage solutions into any application. Tailored for enterprises crafting a line of business applications and ISVs constructing multi-tenant applications, SharePoint Embedded offers versatility and scalability to meet diverse business needs. Whether for internal processes or customer-facing solutions, SharePoint Embedded ensures integration of Microsoft 365’s storage platform for enhanced productivity and efficiency.
SharePoint Embedded in Microsoft’s Portfolio
SharePoint Embedded offers unparalleled capabilities for efficient data handling. Complementing this offering are solutions like SharePoint Premium, Microsoft 365 Backup, and Microsoft 365 Archive. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive suite for managing content across various platforms, ensuring integration, backup, and archival processes for enhanced organisational efficiency and data governance.
Preview Release: SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code Extension
The SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code extension accelerates development by assisting developers in jumpstarting SharePoint Embedded application projects. It enhances tooling within Visual Studio Code, offering additional functionalities for more streamlined development workflows, facilitating efficient coding and deployment processes for SharePoint Embedded applications.
SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code Extension Features
Azure Entra App Registrations
Smoothly set up Azure Entra app registrations in Visual Studio Code to integrate with SharePoint Embedded, enhancing the development process for streamlined application integration..
Free Trial Container Management
Effortlessly manage diverse container types for trials, ensuring testing and development environments’ flexibility and adaptability. Simplify the process for streamlined experimentation and refinement.
Guest App Creation
Effortlessly enhance application functionality and versatility by generating additional guest apps within free trial container types. Streamline development for increased adaptability and innovation.
Sample App Loading
Developers can rapidly load sample apps and automatically configure their runtime settings, expediting the development and testing processes for SharePoint Embedded applications.
Postman Environment Export
Exporting container type and Azure Entra app settings to a Postman Environment file is made smooth, enabling effortless integration with the SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection for streamlined API testing and interaction.
Integration with Postman Collection
The extension integrates with the SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection, enabling streamlined interaction with the SharePoint Embedded REST API for comprehensive testing, operational tasks, and feature exploration.
Enhanced Capabilities of SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code Extension
Azure Entra App Registrations
Easily integrate Azure Entra app registrations with SharePoint Embedded using Visual Studio Code, streamlining the process for integration and enhanced application functionality.
Free Trial Container Management
Effortlessly create and manage diverse container types for trial purposes, providing flexibility in testing and development environments, fostering efficient application exploration and refinement.
Guest App Creation
Effortlessly expand application functionality and versatility by generating additional guest apps within free trial container types, fostering exploration and enhancement of your applications.
Sample App Loading
Accelerate development and testing processes by instantly loading sample apps and auto-populating their runtime configurations, ensuring swift exploration and refinement of application functionalities.
Postman Environment Export
Effortlessly export container type and Azure Entra app settings to a Postman Environment file, facilitating integration with the SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection for streamlined API interaction.
Integration with Postman Collection
It smoothly integrates the extension with the SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection to streamline interaction with the SharePoint Embedded REST API, enabling comprehensive testing, operations, and feature exploration.
Introduction to File Storage Containers
Purpose
SharePoint Embedded applications utilise Microsoft Graph APIs to store files and documents within specialised entities called “File Storage Containers,” providing a secure and efficient data management solution.
Tenant Ownership
ISVs create containers within their customers’ Microsoft 365 tenants, while enterprises establish them within their own tenants, ensuring tailored data management solutions for diverse organisational needs.
Functionality
Each container functions as an exclusive repository for file storage, akin to an API-only Document Library within SharePoint, providing structured organisation and secure data management capabilities.
Scalability
In terms of scalability, numerous containers are deployable within a single tenant, ensuring adaptability to varying storage requirements and facilitating efficient data management across diverse workloads.
Isolation and Security
For isolation and security measures, access to containers is restricted solely to the originating application, guaranteeing robust file and document protection within the confines of the tenant’s environment.
Getting Started with SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code Extension
Installation
To begin, users should install Visual Studio Code on their device and acquire the SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace.
Accessing the Extension
Users can access the SharePoint Embedded extension by locating and opening it from the Visual Studio Code Activity Bar, enabling them to execute tasks related to SharePoint Embedded application development.
Signing In and Setting Up
Sign In
To access SharePoint Embedded functionalities, administrators can sign in to a Microsoft 365 tenant using their administrator account, granting them access to the platform’s features and capabilities.
Enable SharePoint Embedded
Users can activate SharePoint Embedded on their Microsoft 365 tenant if not already enabled. For non-administrators, acquiring a tenant is possible through the Microsoft 365 Developer Program.
Creating Free Trial Container Type
Azure Entra (AD) App
In the process, each container type is linked to an Azure Entra (AD) application, either by defining a new one or choosing an existing application, facilitating integration.
Naming the Container Type
During this stage, users are prompted to assign a distinctive name to the newly created free trial container type, ensuring clear differentiation within their tenant environment.
Loading Sample App and Exporting Postman Environment
Load Sample App
Users employ the extension to load sample applications, automating the setup of their runtime configurations. This facilitates prompt testing and development of SharePoint Embedded applications within their environment.
Export Postman Environment
The extension generates a populated environment file for the SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection, streamlining API exploration and simplifying the process of making calls within Postman for users.
Adding Guest App and Managing Content Experiences
Add Guest App
Boost flexibility by incorporating guest apps into your container type, granting various applications access to the identical set of containers for enhanced functionality and collaboration opportunities.
Content Management Features
SharePoint Embedded applications offer robust content management capabilities, encompassing file support, collaboration tools, and essential functionalities for efficient handling and organization of digital content assets.
Understanding SharePoint Embedded Applications
Usage Scenarios
Microsoft products, ISVs, and enterprises leverage SharePoint Embedded for managing customer content within Microsoft 365 tenants, facilitating efficient data management and enhancing organisational productivity and collaboration.
Consumer Microsoft 365 Settings
Documents stored within SharePoint Embedded adhere to the settings of the consumer’s Microsoft 365 tenant, ensuring compliance, risk management, and security measures are applied appropriately.
Entitlement and Billing
SharePoint Embedded partitions in consumer Microsoft 365 tenants are billed separately through an Azure subscription, based on total storage and API usage, independent of other Microsoft 365 entitlements.
Conclusion
SharePoint Embedded emerges as a solution revolutionising file and document management within Microsoft 365 tenants. With its smooth integration, robust security measures, and rich content management features, it empowers enterprises and ISVs to optimise data handling to enhance productivity. The SharePoint Embedded Visual Studio Code extension further accelerates development processes, offering convenient tools for container management and application exploration. Looking ahead, SharePoint Embedded promises to continue driving innovation and efficiency in cloud-based content management, paving the way for exciting advancements in application development and data governance within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Let's Drive Innovation Together
Transform your file management with SharePoint Embedded: Secure, efficient, and seamless integration for unparalleled productivity and collaboration.
