The document summarizes the key updates and new capabilities in the Spring 18 release of Microsoft Dynamics 365. Major focuses of the release include GDPR compliance, accessibility, and the new Unified Interface Framework apps for Sales, Service, Field Service and PSA. A major evolution is the Business Application Platform with PowerApps, Flow and the Common Data Service (CDS). CDS now enables model-driven and canvas apps to be built on Dynamics 365 entities and integrated with external data sources. The future of the platform is focused on a unified mobile experience, improved data integration and analytics capabilities.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
What’s New in Spring 18
Release?
Andre Margono
Barhead Solutions

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Deciphering the Release Notes (CE – Focused)
• Major Focus: GDPR & Accessibility
• Dynamics Marketing
• Apps for Sales, Service, FS, PSA –
Based on the Unified Interface
Framework
• Business Application Platform
• PowerApps, Flow, CDS

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Dynamics 365 CE Updates Overview
• Relationship assistant, auto capture and Email engagement
(previously named Relationship Insight) is GA, no longer marked as
“Preview”
• Investments on the Unified Interface Framework (UIF) Apps across
Sales, Cust. Service, Field Service, PSA as well as the LinkedIn Sales
Navigator support for UIF.
• Enhancements on Resource Scheduling Optimization
• Best practice analyser for USD

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Business Application Platform
• A massive evolution within the Business Application Platform
(PowerApps + Flow + CDS)
• 2 types of PowerApps is now available: Model-driven Apps and
Canvas Apps
• XRM = the power of CDS for Apps = Model-driven Apps
• Canvas Apps = classic Power Apps
• Good news for Dynamics 365 CE (CRM) experts: you are CDS for
Apps experts from day 1!

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Overview of the Business Apps Platform

6. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
PowerApps Entities = Dynamics 365 Entities

7. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Data Integration is Feeding CDS via
Connectors

8. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Data Integration - Explained

9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
How the “CDS”-es Works Together

10. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
Licensing at a glance…

11. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
The future is bright! This is just the beginning!
• This platform revolution enables “Citizen
Developers” to build Apps that is based on
configurations. Data (model) driven or UI
(canvas) driven, you decide!
• Dynamics 365 CE (a.k.a CRM) becomes the
integral part of the Business Application
Platform. Expect more investments from
Microsoft in this space!
• XRM has evolved into a much broader element
in building the business solutions.

12. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
My predictions (read: wish-list) on the
future of the platform
• Single mobile/tablet app for Model-driven and Canvas Apps
• Data integration made easy via CDS for Analytics and Connectors
• Scheduled refresh external data sources
• Enhanced analytics & AI capability for the Business Apps Platform
• Maturity of UIF, the heart of CDS for Apps, that will supersede the
conventional web client

13. Microsoft Dynamics 365 User Group
References & Further Read
• Release Notes: https://aka.ms/businessappsreleasenotes
• PowerApps Trial (Plan 2): http://web.powerapps.com/trial
• Provisioning CDS for Apps: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-
us/blog/create-a-database-with-the-latest-version-of-common-
data-service/