Why Support Legacy SharePoint Versions Like SharePoint 2010?

In the fast-paced world of technology, where new versions and updates are continuously rolled out, a recurring question often arises: “Why continue supporting legacy SharePoint versions like SharePoint 2010?” The answer, while seemingly straightforward, encapsulates a broader understanding of the technological landscape and the diverse needs of organisations.

First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that technology advances at a breakneck pace. However, the reality is that not all companies can or choose to keep up with this rapid progression. Various factors, including financial constraints and practical considerations, play a significant role in this. Many organisations, for instance, continue to rely on older technologies like SharePoint 2010. Despite their age, these technologies remain functional and meet the essential needs of these businesses.

The frequent push towards upgrading to the latest technology versions often stems not from a dire need for new features but rather from the dwindling support for older versions. This scenario places many organisations in a difficult position. The newer technologies, while advanced, do not always guarantee improved performance or offer significant additional benefits to justify the switch. Furthermore, transitioning to these newer versions often incurs substantial additional costs, which can be a deterrent for many businesses.

At the heart of our approach is the belief in the enduring value of technology that continues to serve its purpose effectively. For organisations still utilising SharePoint 2010, this belief underpins our commitment to providing ongoing support. We understand that these systems, although considered outdated by some, are integral to the day-to-day operations of numerous businesses. They have been tailored over the years to fit specific needs, making them valuable assets that cannot be easily replaced or upgraded.

Our commitment to supporting legacy versions like SharePoint 2010 is not just about maintaining old software. It’s about understanding and respecting the choices of organisations that have found a stable and reliable solution in these technologies. By continuing to offer support, we ensure that these organisations can maintain their operations without the pressure of unnecessary upgrades, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.

Moreover, the support for older technologies like SharePoint 2010 is more than just technical assistance. It represents a broader perspective on technological evolution – one that acknowledges the diversity in organisational needs and capacities. By offering continued support, we provide a safety net for these organisations, ensuring that they are not left behind in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In conclusion, our continued support for legacy SharePoint versions like SharePoint 2010 is driven by a deep understanding of the varied needs of organisations. We recognise that while technology advances rapidly, not all companies can or need to move at the same pace. Our support for these older technologies is a testament to our commitment to serving the diverse technological needs of businesses, ensuring that they continue to operate efficiently and effectively, regardless of the version of SharePoint they use.

Why Companies are choosing SQList over Power Automate

In the realm of synchronisation services, AxioWorks’ SQList and Microsoft’s Power Automate (earlier known as PowerApps) have emerged as significant players. Companies are always on the lookout for the most efficient tools, and this comparison elucidates why many are gravitating towards AxioWorks SQList over Power Automate.

Sync Features

  1. Automatic Creation & Mapping: AxioWorks SQList stands out by automatically creating and mapping SQL tables and fields, a feature absent in Microsoft Power Automate.
  2. Updates and Replications: With SQList, whenever SharePoint columns are added, modified, or removed from a list, updates occur automatically. Furthermore, it offers automatic replication of new lists within the same site collection. Unfortunately, Power Automate doesn’t provide these functionalities.
  3. No-code Sync: SQList provides a seamless, no-code sync for multi-lookup columns, ensuring a straightforward user experience.
  4. Logging and Error Handling: Built-in logging and error handling are integral to SQList’s robustness, ensuring that issues are quickly identified and resolved.
  5. Consistent Real-time Updates: With a remarkable consistency of near-real-time updates within approximately 5 seconds, SQList ensures that data is always current.
  6. Automatic Retry: In case of failures, SQList’s automatic retry mechanism is invaluable, enhancing its reliability.
  7. Handling SharePoint Thresholds: SQList adeptly manages SharePoint thresholds, catering to both item limits and lookup-column limits, a feature that Power Automate lacks.

Technical Skills and Set-up Time

SQList’s design focuses on efficiency and user-friendliness. Setting it up for first-time users takes mere minutes, as does adding an additional site collection. On the other hand, Power Automate requires days for initial setup and hours for adding a new site collection.

Commercial Aspects

In the commercial domain, SQList offers a one-time fixed fee, presenting clarity in costing. Microsoft Power Automate adopts a subscription-based model, specifically a premium connector. When synchronising more than just a handful of small lists, the extensive setup and maintenance demands of Power Automate can swiftly escalate costs well over the one-time expenditure of a SQList licence.

Host Environment

While AxioWorks SQList offers flexibility by being compatible with on-premises, sandbox, and cloud VM environments, Microsoft Power Automate is predominantly cloud-centric.

Conclusion

Companies are prioritising rapid implementation, low skill requirements, and minimal maintenance. AxioWorks SQList, with its comprehensive suite of features, ensures that businesses can efficiently manage their SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-prem syncing to Azure SQL and/or SQL Server. This comparison elucidates why, for a vast majority of companies, SQList is emerging as the preferred choice.

AxioWorks Newsletter

AxioWorks Newsletter October 2023: An exhilarating month.

Hello Reader,

As we step into the season of autumn, we are thrilled to share with you the latest developments and opportunities unfolding at AxioWorks. Our mission to empower your business through innovative SharePoint solutions continues, and we are diligently focusing on several key areas to better serve your needs.

What has AxioWorks been up to?

We are in the process of finalising a series of strategic partnerships that will significantly expand our product offering in the SharePoint arena. While we cannot disclose the specifics at this time due to ongoing discussions, we anticipate making formal announcements in the near future. Suffice to say, we are exceedingly optimistic about the prospects these collaborations will usher in.

We are pleased to announce our participation in ESPC Amsterdam 2023 – the annual European SharePoint, Office 365, and Azure conference. We extend a cordial invitation to you to visit us at Booth No. 60. This presents a fantastic opportunity to engage in conversations about how our solutions could help you maximise the efficiency and productivity of your SharePoint platform.

Our team is hard at work on the next update for SQList, our leading SharePoint to SQL Server replication tool. Slated for release in mid to late October, this update includes several enhancements. Notably, we are reintroducing the “Keep Deleted Items” feature, back by popular demand.

Our commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements is unwavering. In alignment with this, we are exploring some highly intriguing possibilities in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Specifically, we are working on an AI integration with SharePoint that promises to bring an exciting dimension to our service offerings.

To stay abreast of all our latest news, announcements, and insights, we highly recommend following us on LinkedIn. Your engagement with our digital presence is valuable to us.

Focus blog entry: Why Choose SQList for SharePoint Data Extraction Over DIY Solutions

In the ever-evolving world of technology and data management, the question often arises: “Why should I use a product like SQList when I can code my own solution or use a no-code alternative for extracting SharePoint data?” It’s a fair question, and in this article, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing SQList over the DIY route.

Read all about it in this month’s article: Why Choose SQList for SharePoint Data Extraction Over DIY Solutions.

MS365 feature of the month: Replicate and Synchronise SharePoint List to Dataverse (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of our two-part video series, where we delve into the nitty-gritty of replicating and synchronising SharePoint list items with Dataverse Tables within the PowerPlatform. This series aims to offer a comprehensive guide for those looking to into data transfer between these two platforms.

Check our YouTube video here: Replicate and Synchronise SharePoint List to Dataverse (Part 2).

Featured content

Here is a small selection of interesting articles from the net.

What is Parquet?

Apache Parquet is an open source, column-oriented data file format designed for efficient data storage and retrieval. It provides efficient data compression and encoding schemes with enhanced performance to handle complex data in bulk. Apache Parquet is designed to be a common interchange format for both batch and interactive workloads. It is similar to other columnar-storage file formats available in Hadoop, namely RCFile and ORC.
Read more…

Why Database Discussions Have Moved From the Backroom to the Boardroom

There are good reasons why business leaders should care about their databases—and hidden costs for neglecting them. For most business leaders, the database is something you don’t think much about until there’s an issue with it. It’s like running water, electricity or the coffee machine; you just expect it to work. But when it cuts out or malfunctions, the impact is felt across the business.
Read more…

SharePoint in the AI Era: Introducing Copilot in SharePoint and 10 more innovations for creators

Combining the power of Large Language Models (LLMs), your data in the Microsoft Graph, and our best practices for creating engaging web content, Copilot in SharePoint turns your words into SharePoint sites and pages. If you can describe the site or page, Copilot in SharePoint will begin to create it for you, and then work with you to edit and refine it. And all within our existing commitments to data security and privacy in the enterprise.
Read more…

That’s all folks, till next time.

Why Choose SQList for SharePoint Data Extraction Over DIY Solutions

In the ever-evolving world of technology and data management, the question often arises: “Why should I use a product like #SQList when I can code my own solution or use a no-code alternative for extracting #SharePoint data?” It’s a fair question, and in this article, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing #SQList over the DIY route.

At @AxioWorks, we appreciate the spirit of DIY solutions. After all, there’s something empowering about crafting your own tools and solutions. However, there comes a point where the practicality of building and maintaining your own system begins to outweigh its initial allure, especially as your SharePoint data extraction needs grow in complexity.

The DIY Dilemma

Certainly, you could embark on the journey of building your own in-house #SharePoint data extraction system. Many organisations have taken this route initially, driven by the desire for customisation and control and the impression of cost saving. However, let us warn you, this path can soon turn against you.

1. Development Costs

Building a custom solution, whether through coding or using a no-code platform, requires a significant investment of time and resources. Skilled developers don’t come cheap, and their work hours can quickly add up as they design, implement, and troubleshoot your extraction system.

2. Configuration Complexity

#SharePoint is a versatile (and, under the bonnet, also a bit messy) platform, and extracting data from it can be a complex task, especially as your data structures become more intricate. Configuring your custom solution to handle these complexities can be a daunting and time-consuming task.

3. Maintenance Burden

Once your in-house system is up and running, the work is far from over. Regular maintenance, updates, and bug fixes are essential to ensure that your extraction process remains reliable and secure. This ongoing effort requires a dedicated team and a continuous investment of time and resources.

The #SQList Advantage

At @AxioWorks, we understand that what we offer may seem simple at first glance. We’re not claiming to perform rocket science, and we acknowledge that any skilled developer could technically build a #SharePoint data extraction system. However, the real difference lies in our experience and the value we bring to the table.

1. Years of Expertise

We’ve been in the game longer than most. Our team has honed their skills and refined their approach to #SharePoint data extraction over the years. When you choose #SQList, you’re not just getting a product; you’re investing in the accumulated knowledge and expertise that are baked into the price.

2. Streamlined Solutions

Our product is the result of years of fine-tuning and optimisation. We’ve taken the complexities of #SharePoint data extraction and distilled them into a user-friendly, efficient, and reliable tool. With #SQList, you get a solution that just works, saving you time and headaches.

3. Cost-Effective

While it might seem like a DIY solution is cost-effective upfront, the hidden expenses can quickly add up. With #SQList, you have a clear pricing structure, and you won’t be hit with surprise costs down the road. Plus, the time and resources saved by using our product can often outweigh the initial investment.

Making the Smart Choice

So, the next time you find yourself at the crossroads of deciding between a DIY #SharePoint data extraction solution and opting for #SQList, remember that sometimes the smart choice is also the most convenient one. While we understand the initial appeal of crafting your own solution, we urge you to consider the long-term implications, both in terms of time and resources.

We get it; you might be thinking, “This sounds like a sales pitch.” However, we encourage you to experience the difference for yourself. Take a moment to explore what #SQList has to offer and see how it can simplify your #SharePoint data extraction process.

You be the judge

We’ve prepared a video tutorial that uses #PowerPlatform to extract #SharePoint data to #Dataverse. Watch “Replicate and Synchronise SharePoint List to Dataverse (Part 1)” to see what a possible DIY route may looks like:

https://youtu.be/lolRzr44NXU

And here you have a free 30-day free trial of #SQList:

https://www.axioworks.com/sqlist/

We’re confident that once you experience the convenience and efficiency it brings to your SharePoint data extraction needs, you’ll understand why #SQList is a better choice.

In conclusion, when it comes to extracting #SharePoint data, the DIY route is an option, but it’s essential to weigh the costs, complexities, and long-term maintenance against the convenience, expertise, and efficiency that a specialised third-party product like #SQList can provide. Make an informed choice that not only meets your immediate needs but also sets you up for success in the long run.

We welcome your comments!

#SharePoint #SQLServer #PowerBI #LOBIntegration #AI

AxioWorks Newsletter

AxioWorks Newsletter September 2023: An exhilarating month.

Hello Reader,

September has been a bustling and exhilarating month for us at AxioWorks, filled with advancements, collaborations, and a whole lot of tech talk. From our inaugural webinar to strides in AI integration and a fantastic sponsorship opportunity, here’s a quick rundown of the highlights.

What has AxioWorks been up to?

We kicked off the month by successfully delivering our first Webinar, “Maximise the potential of your SharePoint infrastructure without the need for costly upgrades”. If you missed it, not to worry you can catch the full recording on YouTube here.

In other exciting news, our work on integrating AI with SharePoint Document Libraries is progressing even better than we’d hoped. The level of interest in our prototype has been overwhelming, to say the least. To catch a glimpse of this innovation, check out the tail end of our webinar’s video where we showcase it.

That’s not all. We had the pleasure of sponsoring and exhibiting at CollabDays Bletchley Park 2023 for the third (or is it the 4th?) consecutive year, an absolutely top-notch “boutique” event for everything Microsoft 365. Held at The National Museum of Computing (simply the coolest venue on the planet!) this is easily one of our favourite events of the year. For more information on the event, visit CollabDays Bletchley Park and The National Museum of Computing.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and as always, thank you for being a pivotal part of our journey.

Focus blog entry: The Collaborative Pathway: Bridging Minds in the AI Ecosystem

Recently, a chat with a fellow entrepreneur in the AI space made me realise that a significant amount of our projects were strikingly similar. This isn’t just happening in our corner of the industry, but seems to be a wider trend. It raises the question: are we all duplicating efforts in a rush to build AI solutions? It’s got me pondering the untapped potential of collaboration for more innovative and successful outcomes.

Read all about it in this month’s article: The Collaborative Pathway: Bridging Minds in the AI Ecosystem.

MS365 feature of the month: Replicate and Synchronise SharePoint List to Dataverse (Part1)

Welcome to Part 1 of our two-part video series, where we delve into the nitty-gritty of replicating and synchronising SharePoint list items with #Dataverse Tables within the #PowerPlatform. This series aims to offer a comprehensive guide for those looking to into data transfer between these two platforms.

Check our YouTube video here: Replicate and Synchronise SharePoint List to Dataverse (Part1).

Featured content

Here is a small selection of interesting articles from the net.

Stairway to SQL Server Security

SQL Server has everything you need to secure your server and data against today’s sophisticated attacks. But before you can use these security features effectively, you need to understand the threats you face and a few basic security concepts. This first stairway level provides a foundation so that you can take full advantage of the security features in SQL Server without wasting time on features that do nothing to protect against specific threats to your data.
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Data Intelligence on light speed: Microsoft Fabric

When Synapse Analytics was created, technical sessions inspired me with some comparisons and explanations, and I reproduced them in my own technical sessions and writing. Synapse was created from a request from many Microsoft customers. They requested to be able to use one single tool for the entire data intelligence platform: Ingest Data, store, process, query, apply data science, and generate reports.
Read more…

Welcome to the new era of SharePoint and OneDrive in Microsoft 365

Today, we embark on the next chapter for SharePoint and OneDrive. We are excited to share the latest SharePoint innovations that will make it simpler for customers to build compelling and engaging SharePoint sites and pages alongside a refreshed OneDrive experience. We, too, celebrate innovation across Microsoft Lists, Stream, and security and compliance updates.
Read more…

That’s all folks, till next time.

The Collaborative Pathway: Bridging Minds in the AI Ecosystem

by Francesco Marcolini | AxioWorks CEO, Software Architect and Developer///

In recent days, I found myself immersed in an enlightening conversation with a friend, a fellow entrepreneur steering his ship in the vast sea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) just like myself. As we delved into the nuances of our individual projects, a revelation dawned upon us — our endeavours bore a striking resemblance to one another, with an overlap exceeding 50%. This got me thinking about the broader landscape of AI innovation, which seemed to be marred by a repetitive cycle of redundant developments.

Taking a stroll in the virtual alleyways of the internet, one quickly realises that the world is in a mad rush to forge AI solutions. Quite conspicuously, a substantial chunk of these efforts seems to be directed towards building identical solutions. It leaves one pondering — are we all caught up in a loop of duplicating what has already been done?

As the industry expands, it’s plausible to foresee one of these homogeneous solutions rising to prominence, potentially setting a standard in the industry. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the thought — why swim in circles when we can chart out our paths together? The emphasis here leans heavily on collaborative undertakings, where divergent talents and skills amalgamate, paving the way for well-rounded, and arguably more successful outcomes.

The Harmony of Collaborative Endeavours

Collaborative projects offer a fertile ground for innovation where parties can concentrate on individual elements of a broader scheme. Instead of crafting similar solutions in solitude, we stand to benefit immensely from a coalition of minds that capitalises on the diverse strengths of its contributors. It eradicates redundancies and facilitates the birth of comprehensive solutions that possess a holistic view, expertly crafted from different angles.

It fosters a symbiotic relationship where knowledge is not just shared but multiplied, and expertise is not confined but expanded. A collaborative sphere nurtures diversity of thought, giving rise to a breeding ground for creativity and innovation that stands tall, echoing with the distinct voices of all its creators, united in harmony.

Navigating the Collaboration Spectrum

As we tread this path, it becomes quintessential to establish clear directives from the onset. Embarking on a collaborative journey necessitates a well-defined roadmap that outlines the expectations, delineates the responsibilities, and carves out the ownership stakes of each party involved.

It’s much like setting out on a joint venture where the map guides you to treasure, and each person holds the key to a specific part of the journey. It enables a seamless progression, devoid of bumps that often result from a lack of clarity or disputed ownership at later stages.

Cultivating a Collaborative Culture

To truly foster a culture of collaboration, we must be willing to embrace the diverse landscapes of innovation that each party brings to the table. It means actively encouraging a harmonious blend of ideas, where the focus shifts from ‘my way or the highway’ to a more inclusive ‘our way’.

It’s not just about preventing the overlap of efforts but enhancing the quality of output through combined prowess. It’s about creating a mosaic of ideas, a tapestry woven with threads of collective knowledge and expertise that not only saves time but enriches the end result with a depth of diverse insights.

Setting the Foundation Right

At the heart of any successful collaborative project lies a strong foundation based on transparency and mutual respect. As innovators, we hold a responsibility to articulate our visions clearly and to respect the contributions of all parties involved. This begins with laying down a groundwork of trust, where every individual’s input is valued and their rights protected.

It is here that we must accentuate the importance of commencing any collaborative initiative with a well-forged agreement, clearly establishing the expectations, responsibilities, and ownership from the outset to pave a smooth road for the journey ahead.

Conclusion

As we stand at the threshold of AI’s golden era, let us pause and reflect on the path we choose to carve. In an industry burgeoning with potential, the power of collaboration emerges as a beacon of hope, encouraging us to break free from the cycle of redundancy and to forge paths adorned with diversity of thought and innovation.

Let us not be content with merely adding to the noise that already resounds in the industry. Instead, let’s come together to create symphonies of innovation, a harmonious blend of efforts that lead to more refined, diverse, and comprehensive solutions.

Remember, a collaborative spirit doesn’t just streamline the journey; it elevates it to a plane of richer, deeper, and far more gratifying experiences. It beckons us to look beyond the self-imposed boundaries, to reach out and join forces, thus not only avoiding disputes but fostering a community grounded in harmony and shared success.

In closing, it’s imperative that we start on the right foot, with clearly defined roles and expectations, making collaboration not just a strategy but a harmonious journey towards innovation, enhanced productivity and a future where the AI industry thrives on the collective genius, steering clear of redundant efforts and embracing the untapped potential of united endeavour.

#CollaborativeInnovation #AI #AIDevelopment #TechSynergy #SoftwareDevelopment #CommonSense

AxioWorks Newsletter

AxioWorks Newsletter August 2023: A month of milestones and innovation.

Hello Reader,

September seems to be a month of unexpected milestones and continued innovations at AxioWorks. As the summer wanes and the autumn breeze starts setting in, our dedication to enhancing SQList is only growing stronger.

What has AxioWorks been up to?

First off, a ground-breaking development: the integration of AI with SQList. It’s always been our mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, and this is another step in that direction. Our team has been working hard and we’re very happy about the results from our prototype. The wheels are in motion, and we’re channelling all our energy into delivering a first version that we’re sure will be a game-changer for many of you.

On the events front, we’ve been blown away by the response to our first webinar, “Leveraging SQList: Maximize the potential of your current SharePoint infrastructure without the need for costly upgrades.” Scheduled for 14th September, registrations have soared past the 100 attendees mark – a number that genuinely took us by surprise. We’re deeply grateful for the overwhelming interest, and for those who haven’t yet signed up, there’s still a chance to be part of this illuminating session.

For more information and to register visit our brand new Events page.

As always, we promise to keep the momentum going, ensuring that AxioWorks remains your trusted partner in optimizing SharePoint capabilities.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and as always, thank you for being a pivotal part of our journey.

Focus blog entry: From Punch Cards to Python: Still Hitting the Keys in my 50s

For those deeply immersed in the world of computer programming, the flame of passion for coding remains unextinguished, regardless of age. Our esteemed CEO’s eloquent reflection on navigating the programming landscape beyond the age of 50 showcases that this ardor isn’t bound by time. The enduring love for the craft, the constant thrill of creating, and the joy of problem-solving through code are emotions that transcend age.

Read all about it in this month’s article: From Punch Cards to Python: Still Hitting the Keys in my 50s.

O365 feature of the month: Use Graph API in Power Automate to read large Excel files from SharePoint

In the upcoming video tutorial, we will delve into the process of reading sizable Excel files from SharePoint using the Graph API within Power Automate. While Power Automate does offer out-of-the-box (OOTB) actions to facilitate Excel file reading, these actions come with a significant constraint – they are limited to only 250 records. Additionally, from a performance standpoint, they do not stand up to scrutiny, often lacking in efficiency. Hence, our emphasis will be on utilizing the Graph API, a more robust and efficient solution, to seamlessly access and process larger data sets from Excel files in SharePoint.

Chekc our YouTube video here: Use Graph API in Power Automate to read large Excel files from SharePoint.

Featured content

Here is a small selection of interesting articles from the net.

Build a Time Tracking Application with PowerApps and SharePoint

Keeping track of time spent on projects is a critical task for many businesses. Detailed time tracking provides insights into where efforts are being focused and helps measure productivity. But recording time manually can be a pain for employees. To make time tracking easy and even mobile, you can create a full-featured app using PowerApps and SharePoint
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Unleashing the Power of Microsoft Fabric and SynapseML: A Guide to Q&A on PDF Documents with LLMs

Generative AI models or Large Language Models (LLMs) have recently gained a lot of attention when it comes to generating content and helping solve otherwise complex tasks with small effort. Generative AI and LLMs can play a pivotal role in addressing real-world problems, notably in question answering. These powerful models possess the ability to comprehend intricate queries and extract relevant information from vast amounts of text, and with their contextual understanding, extensive pre-training, and language fluency they can provide coherent and human-like answers that align with the given context, making them indispensable across diverse fields.
Read more…

Enhancing Healthcare Operations: Utilizing the Strength of the SharePoint Environment

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, efficient operations play a vital role in providing high-quality patient care. With the advent of digital technologies, healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to collaborative platforms to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency. SharePoint, a powerful platform developed by Microsoft, offers a range of features and solutions that can significantly enhance healthcare operations.
Read more…

That’s all folks, till next time.

Use Graph API in Power Automate to read large Excel files from SharePoint

Power Automate, a part of Microsoft’s suite of tools, is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for automating workflows and business processes across a variety of platforms and services. It provides a rich set of features and connectors to help businesses automate their operations with minimal coding. One such common operation is reading Excel files from SharePoint. However, when dealing with large data sets, some inherent challenges arise. In this blog post, we will dive into an efficient method to overcome these challenges using the Graph API.

Check out our video: Use Graph API in Power Automate to read large Excel files from SharePoint

The Challenge

For those familiar with Power Automate’s out-of-the-box (OOTB) actions, you might have stumbled upon its constraints. The most glaring limitation is its capability to read only up to 250 records from Excel files. This might suffice for smaller datasets, but in a business scenario where records can easily go beyond this number, it’s a significant bottleneck. Additionally, these OOTB actions often lack the desired efficiency in terms of performance.

Enter Graph API

The Graph API is Microsoft’s unified programming interface for accessing data across Microsoft 365 services, including SharePoint. By leveraging the Graph API, you can access the contents of Excel files stored in SharePoint document libraries seamlessly and without the aforementioned constraints.

Advantages of Using Graph API

  1. Scalability: With Graph API, the 250 records limitation becomes a non-issue. It’s designed to handle large data sets, making it an ideal solution for businesses with extensive Excel data.
  2. Performance: Graph API offers superior performance in comparison to the OOTB actions of Power Automate. Faster read times and reduced latency mean that workflows run more smoothly and efficiently.
  3. Flexibility: It provides a range of querying options, allowing you to fetch data precisely as per your needs. Whether it’s specific columns, rows, or data based on certain conditions, Graph API can handle it all.

Steps to Integrate Graph API with Power Automate

  1. Register your app with Azure AD: Before you can make calls to the Graph API, you need to register your application in the Azure AD of your Microsoft 365 subscription. This will provide you with an application ID, which will be used to authenticate your requests.
  2. Set permissions: Post registration, assign the necessary permissions for your application to read files from SharePoint.
  3. Create a Power Automate Flow: Begin by creating a new automated flow. Add a trigger based on your requirements. It could be a timed trigger or based on certain events, like when a new file is added to SharePoint.
  4. Add an HTTP action: This action will be used to make a call to the Graph API. Configure the HTTP action to GET the desired Excel data. Here you’ll use the previously obtained application ID for authentication.
  5. Parse the results: The result from the Graph API will typically be in a JSON format. Use Power Automate’s ‘Parse JSON’ action to structure the data. After this, you can use the data as needed in your workflow.
  6. Finalize your flow: Add any additional actions necessary for your business process. For instance, if you’re reading data to update a database or send a report, add these steps accordingly.

Conclusion

In the digital age, where data drives decisions, the necessity to access, process, and utilize large datasets efficiently is paramount. While Power Automate is a powerful tool in its own right, the incorporation of the Graph API enhances its capabilities multifold, especially when dealing with large Excel files in SharePoint.

To sum up, for businesses and individuals looking to harness the full potential of their Excel data in SharePoint, integrating Power Automate with Graph API is not just an option, but a requisite. It ensures scalability, performance, and precision – key components for success in any automated workflow.

#PowerAutomate #GraphAPI #SharePoint #ExcelIntegration #DataProcessing

From Punch Cards to Python: Still Hitting the Keys in my 50s

by Francesco Marcolini | AxioWorks CEO, Software Architect and Developer///

I spent the entire weekend writing code, not because of deadlines to meet or million-pound dreams, but for the kick that I still get from doing it. Especially now, with the wave of AI and all its amazing potentials unfolding before our eyes. It’s a pleasure that, I suspect, only computer programmers can truly understand.

At the age of 50-something, in a profession where you’re often considered “very old” once you pass 35, my passion for this craft burns as brightly as ever. I still pull the occasional “all-nighter,” not out of necessity, but for the sheer, unbridled joy that coding brings me. I’m still that eager coder, delighted by the symphony of logic and creativity that this job lets me conduct.

Sure, keeping up with the latest languages and platforms is no longer as exciting as it once was. Honestly, you can get excited about new ways to write a web form and a date input validation only so many times before it starts to lose its lustre. Yet, the passion for developing a solid system, running it for the first time, and seeing it work just as you envisioned? That magic, my friends, never fades.

And what about the development tools we have at our disposal today! They are so advanced and refined that the performance of “old” developers like myself is more and more on par with that of the young whippersnappers entering the field. Our IDEs are like well-organized, wise old assistants, making suggestions and catching our typos before we can even finish the line.

But ah, the experience gap, it’s always there like a trusty old friend. The years have imbued me with a kind of ‘coding intuition’, a sixth sense for where a bug might be hiding or how a system might be made more efficient. It’s something that doesn’t show up in the lines of code but shines brightly in the finished product.

And let’s not forget about the value of ‘been-there-done-that’. While fresh faces are puzzling through their first catastrophic server crash, we veterans are calmly brewing a cup of tea, having navigated such storms dozens of times. The stories we could tell would fill volumes – enough to make a junior dev’s IDE run out of memory!

To round this off, let me leave you with a funny thought: Being a 50-something programmer is like being a vintage car in a world of electric vehicles. Sure, the new models are flashy and have some cool new features, but nothing quite matches the charm, the character, and the roar of the engine (or in our case, the keyboard) of a classic!

So here’s to us, the seasoned coders – still cruising down the information superhighway, windows down, and absolutely loving the ride.

#CodingPassion #DevLife #TechVeteran #CodingWisdom #CodeAndCoffee

AxioWorks Newsletter

AxioWorks Newsletter July 2023: Unveiling AxioWorks’s latest successes and exciting innovations

Hello Reader,

We hope this monthly update finds you in good spirits. As always, we are eager to share the latest developments and exciting ventures happening at our company.

What has AxioWorks been up to?

We are thrilled to announce that the launch of SQList version 8 has been a success. The introduction of the “Multiple Instances” feature has significantly enhanced the performance of SharePoint to SQL Server replications. Clients have reported faster data synchronization and improved productivity, making it a resounding success.

For more information on this new release, visit: What is new in SQList ver. 8.0.0.0.

Thre’s more… we have scheduled our very first webinar, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Titled “Leveraging SQList: Maximize the potential of your current SharePoint infrastructure without the need for costly upgrades,” this insightful session is a must-attend for all SharePoint users. Join us as we explore how SQList empowers you to unlock the full potential of your existing SharePoint infrastructure without the burden of costly upgrades to new, modern systems.

For more information and to register visit our brand new Events page.

In other news, embracing innovation is at the core of our company’s ethos, which is why we have ventured into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Exploring this fantastic new realm has opened up a multitude of possibilities for us. While we continue to learn about AI, we are excited to reveal that we are already working on an AI-powered addition to SQList. We believe this will bring added value and efficiencies to our product and your business processes.

Last but not least, our team has been hard at work on an exciting new product that revolves around our expertise in data and connectors. Although we are keeping specific details under wraps for now, we can assure you that this innovation will revolutionize the way you interact with data and address complex connectivity challenges. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to unveil this cutting-edge solution.

We sincerely thank you for your continued support and trust in our products. Our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions remains unwavering, and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon.

Focus blog entry: AI and Data: The Symbiosis of Interaction and Accuracy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data handling have emerged as two transformative forces shaping the way businesses interact and make critical decisions. AI’s ability to engage with humans and comprehend their language, albeit with inherent uncertainties, complements the precision-driven, structured nature of data. This article explores the convergence of these two worlds and the immense potential it holds for businesses to drive operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and forge strategic visions.

Read all about it in this month’s article: AI and Data: The Symbiosis of Interaction and Accuracy.

O365 feature of the month: Visualize your List on a Board using MS List Board View

Discover the latest feature in MS List – the Board View! In this video, we explore how this exciting new view transforms your lists into dynamic boards. Whether you want to streamline your workflow with a KanBan board or gain better insights by visualizing items based on their status, the Board View has got you covered. Don’t miss out on this powerful tool to enhance your list management and boost productivity!

Chekc our YouTube video here: Visualize your List on a Board using MS List Board View.

Featured content

Here is a small selection of interesting articles from the net.

Data Intelligence on light speed: Microsoft Fabric

Like Synapse, Microsoft Fabric brings all the services needed for a data intelligence environment aggregated together, heavily integrated and built in a way that requires far less technical effort for the implementation.
Read more…

Using Virtual Network Data Gateways to Secure Access to Azure SQL in Power BI

Power BI and Azure are two related services, but with a considerable independence between them. Power BI share the Azure Tenant for security management, but in relation to networking, they are in completely different environments.
Read more…

What is Microsoft Fabric, and Why it is a Big Deal!

You might have heard the news of the announcement at Microsoft Build by Arun Ulag and the rest of the Microsoft Data and Analytics Platform team. The announcement was about the new service offering named Microsoft Fabric. In this article and video, I want to explain what Fabric is and why you should care. In the end, I will also share my two cents on how I see this offering will come into the Data analytics products and services market.
Read more…

That’s all folks, till next time.