Hi All, I'm thrilled that Microsoft is adding something to support licensing ISV apps distributed through AppSource. That being said, in its current state it's pretty confusing and the documentation does not provide much clarity on the what or how of this feature.
As an ISV, here's my understanding of this feature in its current form:
We have an existing offer in AppSource. It has a model-driven app and no code components. We have full ALM automation built out in Azure DevOps and everything runs pretty smoothly. We're small so making changes in an unmanaged environment and then committing to repo works for us. All deployments are automated. The only time we mess with Visual Studio is to package for AppSource. We never open command line tools.
Here's a little recap of my experience attempting to implement and evaluate this:
Here's where things slowed down. The first step says "Clone existing solution". In our world, that means go into the unmanaged Power Apps maker environment, select the solution and click "Clone a patch" or "Clone solution". This is not what they mean and it's confusing.
Looking forward to this being more supportable. As of right now, it doesn't seem to be compatible with the ALM tools in Azure DevOps that we rely on.
ServicePlans.xml content:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<serviceplans xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<serviceplan name="[SERVICE_PLAN_ID]">
<accessmode>4</accessmode>
<iscustomizable>0</iscustomizable>
<displayname>[SERVICE_PLAN_NAME]</displayname>
<moreinfourl>[YOUR_ISV_PLAN_INFO_LINK]</moreinfourl>
</serviceplan>
</serviceplans>
ServicePlanAppModules.xml content:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<serviceplanappmodulesset xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<serviceplanappmodules>
<iscustomizable>0</iscustomizable>
<appmoduleid>
<uniquename>[MODEL_APP_COMPONENT_NAME]</uniquename>
</appmoduleid>
<serviceplanid>
<name>[SERVICE_PLAN_ID]</name>
</serviceplanid>
</serviceplanappmodules>
</serviceplanappmodulesset>
Documentation references:
@Helpful- That XML is actually in the customizations.xml after you package the solution folder using the Solution Packager tool.
Thanks, @rajyraman. Our solution is built using Power Platform Build Tools in Azure DevOps and the XML shown above does not appear in the Customizations file.
I thought the build tools used Solution Packager behind the scenes so would assume the same behavior as if we built with SolutionPackager, but maybe that’s a bad assumption.
I’ll test this tomorrow.
@Helpful- Check the version of Solution Packager being used from the AzDO logs. The one I use on the local machine is 9.1.1.2.
Thanks, @rajyraman. Sure enough, it looks like Power Apps Build Tools is using Version 9.1.0.67.
We packaged with command line and are now seeing the service plan xml nodes populated in Customizations.xml.
I guess we'll wait for the tooling to catch-up. I recall the team that was working on those was getting a fair amount of investment a year ago, but perhaps priorities have shifted.
Hi @Helpful,
Thanks for the elaborate feedback... my experience was almost exactly the same, as I stuck also to pack the managed solution, then eventually found it in the SolutionPackager Command Line.
now I submitted my package for publish in AppSource, and waiting for certification.
@Helpful - As an ISV, we have a very similar dev process to you, using Azure DevOps with automated deployments to customer-specific dev environments and production environments. Azure DevOps build tools do not currently support including the LMS as you point out, although we've communicated the need to the team responsible for the build tools.
The PAC CLI does nothing other than generate the xml from the csv mapping files, and then adds it to the end of your managed solution. The folders with the csv files don't need to be in the final solution. Once you have that xml generated, you can copy it into the managed solution directly. When we first got started we didn't use the PAC CLI at all and just created the service plans and mapping directly in xml, and then added to our managed solution.
Editing service plan information is currently not supported with an unmanaged solution for the obvious security reasons (though this may change at some point) - this means that you have to add it every time you export a managed solution from your dev environment. We added a powershell step in our devops pipeline to add the xml to the managed solution when we pull from core dev prior to deploying the managed solutions to customer-specific dev and production environments.
Thanks @Captjoemcd ,
Here's a snip of powershell to get others started. The two files it uses are the customizations.xml file that is in the "Other" folder when you unpack the solution. (I unpacked it into a folder called "tempforpacking" of course.) The license.xml file is just the license specific section of the xml that the pac cli generates. I haven't added checking to ensure the nodes were added yet, but that should be straight forward.
Hi Folks,
I am the PM that worked adding the licensing capability. I would really like to understand the paradigm a little bit better on how you want licensing to be part of the CI/CD process. I did have an exchange with Jeff in a seperate thread. But I would like to understand the broader sentiment and the CI/CD workflow in question.
When you respond, please @ me directly so that I can get notified.
Hi @kartikka, thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. I will speak on behalf of our setup and am curious to hear the perspective of others.
Please see attached image. To make this work:
We have the approach above implemented today, but some of Step 4's tasks could be cleaned-up to use Build Tools instead of PowerShell.
We are excited to kick off our new #TuesdayTIps series, "Back to Basics." This weekly series is our way of helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we will feature new areas of content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week's Tips: Account Support: Changing Passwords, Changing Email Addresses or Usernames, "Need Admin Approval," Etc.Wondering how to get support for your community account? Check out the details on these common questions and more. Just follow the link below for articles that explain it all.Community Account Support - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) All About GDPR: How It Affects Closing Your Community Account (And Why You Should Think Twice Before You Do)GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), took effect May 25th 2018. A European privacy law, GDPR imposes new rules on companies and other organizations offering goods and services to people in the European Union (EU), or that collect and analyze data tied to EU residents. GDPR applies no matter where you are located, and it affects what happens when you decide to close your account. Read the details here:All About GDPR - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) Getting to Know You: Setting Up Your Community Profile, Customizing Your Profile, and More.Your community profile helps other members of the community get to know you as you begin to engage and interact. Your profile is a mirror of your activity in the community. Find out how to set it up, change your avatar, adjust your time zone, and more. Click on the link below to find out how:Community Profile, Time Zone, Picture (Avatar) & D... - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) That's it for this week. Tune in for more Tuesday Tips next Tuesday and join the community as we get "Back to Basics."
Welcome to our September 2023 Newsletter, where we highlight the latest news, product releases, podcasts, upcoming events, and the great work of our Power Platform Community members. As usual, please make sure you follow our News & Announcements in the Community to stay up to date. Another great way to connect is to join our Power Platform Community on LinkedIn. You can join our LInkedIn community here. MPPC's Got Power - Submissions end September 28th! Are you ready to showcase your skills at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas? Don't miss out on the "MPPC's Got Power" talent show, a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Whether you're a technical innovator, a talented storyteller, or have a hidden creative side, we want to see what you've got! With three categories to choose from, you have the chance to shine on stage and make your mark in the Microsoft Power Platform community. Click the GIF to sign up by Thursday 28th September to be part of an unforgettable MPPC23 experience. Now is your time to shine! Check Out the Low Code Approach Podcast Give the Low Code Approach Podcast a listen! Hosted by Sean Fiene, Wendy Haddad, and Kenric Auguillard, this innovative show shines a light on how Microsoft MVPs, product team members, and Community users are building exciting solutions using Microsoft Power Platform. Plus, with guests like Kartik Kanakasabesan, April Dunnam, Ricardo Duncan Jr., Sonja Gu, Phil Topness, Shane Young and more, this weekly show is a must for all you Business Applications enthusiasts out there. Click the image below to check it out! COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Check out the most active Community users for August 2023. These hardworking members are posting regularly, answering questions, writing blogs, giving kudos, and providing top solutions in their communities across Power Platform. Huge thanks to these amazing community members for their great contributions last month! trice602poweractivateLaurensMWarrenBelzAmikBCBuizerSamLedcreativeopinion timlExpiscornovusManishSolankiMattJimisonfernandosilvaMisterMarkPstork1saudali_25hafizsultan242Lucas001ragavanrajanp_doc UPCOMING EVENT: 365 EDUCON CHICAGO Whether you're new to Microsoft 365, Power Platform and SharePoint, or an experienced power user, admin or developer, 365 EduCon has content designed to fit your experience level and area of interest. Their workshops and sessions are taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers, MVPs, Regional Directors, and Engineers. Find out more and register here: Home - Microsoft 365 EduCon Chicago - A Microsoft 365 Conference.
Are you attending the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 in Las Vegas? If so, we invite you to join us for the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show! Our talent show is more than a show—it's a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Through stories, skills, and collective experiences, we come together to uplift, inspire, and revel in the magic of our community's diverse talents. This year, our talent event promises to be an unforgettable experience, echoing louder and brighter than anything you've seen before. We're casting a wider net with three captivating categories: Demo Technical Solutions: Show us your Power Platform innovations, be it apps, flows, chatbots, websites or dashboards... Storytelling: Share tales of your journey with Power Platform. Hidden Talents: Unveil your creative side—be it dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, or comedy. Let your talent shine! Got That Special Spark? A Story That Demands to Be Heard? Your moment is now! 🚀 Sign up to Showcase Your Brilliance: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp 🔥 Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Sept 28th How It Works: Submit this form to sign up: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp We'll contact you if you're selected. Get ready to be onstage! The Spotlight is Yours: Each participant has 3-5 minutes to shine, with insightful commentary from our panel of judges. We’re not just giving you a stage; we’re handing you the platform to make your mark. Be the Story We Tell: Your talents and narratives will not just entertain but inspire, serving as the bedrock for our community’s future stories and successes. Celebration, Surprises, and Connections: As the curtain falls, the excitement continues! Await surprise awards and seize the chance to mingle with industry experts, Microsoft Power Platform leaders, and community luminaries. It's not just a show; it's an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate shared successes. Event Details: 📆 Date and Time: Wed Oct 4th, 6:30-9:00PM 📍 Location: MPPC23 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA
The Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is a community-driven initiative that started in September 2022. It has quickly earned recognition for its enthusiastic leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. With a focus on promoting learning and networking among professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem, the group has grown steadily and gained a reputation for its commitment to its members! The group, which had its inaugural event in January 2023 at the Microsoft UK Headquarters in Reading, has since organized three successful gatherings, including a recent social lunch. They maintain a regular schedule of four events per year, each attended by an average of 20-25 enthusiastic participants who enjoy engaging talks and, of course, pizza. The Reading User Group's presence is primarily spread through LinkedIn and Meetup, with the support of the wider community. This thriving community is managed by a dedicated team consisting of Fraser Dear, Tim Leung, and Andrew Bibby, who serves as the main point of contact for the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups. Andrew Bibby, an active figure in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, nominated this group due to his admiration for the Reading UK User Group's efforts. He emphasized their remarkable enthusiasm and success in running the group, noting that they navigated challenges such as finding venues with resilience and smiles on their faces. Despite being a relatively new group with 20-30 members, they have managed to achieve high attendance at their meetings. The group's journey began when Fraser Dear moved to the Reading area and realized the absence of a user group catering to professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. He reached out to Andrew, who provided valuable guidance and support, allowing the Reading User Group to officially join the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups community. One of the group's notable achievements was overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable venue. Initially, their "home" was the Microsoft UK HQ in Reading. However, due to office closures, they had to seek a new location with limited time. Fortunately, a connection with Stephanie Stacey from Microsoft led them to Reading College and its Institute of Technology. The college generously offered them event space and support, forging a mutually beneficial partnership where the group promotes the Institute and encourages its members to support the next generation of IT professionals. With the dedication of its leadership team, the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is poised to continue growing and thriving! Their story exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on professional development and networking in the tech industry. As they move forward with their upcoming events and collaborations with Reading College, the group is likely to remain a valuable resource for professionals in the Reading area and beyond.
As the sun sets on the #SummerofSolutions Challenge, it's time to reflect and celebrate! The journey we embarked upon together was not just about providing answers – it was about fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and unlocking the true potential of the Power Platform tools. From the initial announcement to the final week's push, the Summer of Solutions Challenge has been a whirlwind of engagement and growth. It was a call to action for every member of our Power Platform community, urging them to contribute their expertise, engage in discussions, and elevate collective knowledge across the community as part of the low-code revolution. Reflecting on the Impact As the challenge ends, it's essential to reflect on the impact it’s had across our Power Platform communities: Community Resilience: The challenge demonstrated the resilience of our community. Despite geographical distances and diverse backgrounds, we came together to contribute, learn, and collaborate. This resilience is the cornerstone of our collective strength.Diverse Expertise: The solutions shared during the challenge underscore the incredible expertise within our community. From intricate technical insights to creative problem-solving, our members showcased their diverse skill sets, enhancing our community's depth.Shared Learning: Solutions spurred shared learning. They provided opportunities for members to grasp new concepts, expand their horizons, and uncover the Power Platform tools' untapped potential. This learning ripple effect will continue to shape our growth. Empowerment: Solutions empowered community members. They validated their knowledge, boosted their confidence, and highlighted their contributions. Each solution shared was a step towards personal and communal empowerment. We are proud and thankful as we conclude the Summer of Solutions Challenge. The challenge showed the potential of teamwork, the benefit of knowledge-sharing, and the resilience of our Power Platform community. The solutions offered by each member are more than just answers; they are the expression of our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and progress! Drum roll, Please... And now, without further ado, it's time to announce the winners who have risen above the rest in the Summer of Solutions Challenge! These are the top community users and Super Users who have not only earned recognition but have become beacons of inspiration for us all. Power Apps Community: Community User Winner: @SpongYe Super User Winner: Pending Acceptance Power Automate Community: Community User Winner: @trice602 Super User Winner: @Expiscornovus Power Virtual Agents Community: Community User Winner: Pending AcceptanceSuper User: Pending Acceptance Power Pages Community: Community User Winner: @OOlashyn Super User Winner: @ChristianAbata We are also pleased to announced two additional tickets that we are awarding to the Overall Top Solution providers in the following communities: Power Apps: @LaurensM Power Automate: @ManishSolanki Thank you for making this challenge a resounding success. Your participation has reaffirmed the strength of our community and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Let's keep the spirit of collaboration alive as we continue on this incredible journey in Power Platform together.Winners, we will see you in Vegas! Every other amazing solutions superstar, we will see you in the Community!Congratulations, everyone!
Ayonija Shatakshi, a seasoned senior consultant at Improving, Ohio, is a passionate advocate for M365, SharePoint, Power Platform, and Azure, recognizing how they synergize to deliver top-notch solutions. Recently, we asked Ayonija to share her journey as a user group leader, shedding light on her motivations and the benefits she's reaped from her community involvement. Ayonija embarked on her role as a user group leader in December 2022, driven by a desire to explore how the community leveraged various Power Platform components. When she couldn't find a suitable local group, she decided to create one herself! Speaking about the impact of the community on her professional and personal growth, Ayonija says, "It's fascinating to witness how everyone navigates the world of Power Platform, dealing with license constraints and keeping up with new features. There's so much to learn from their experiences. Her favorite aspect of being a user group leader is the opportunity to network and engage in face-to-face discussions with fellow enthusiasts, fostering deeper connections within the community. Offering advice to budding user group leaders, Ayonija emphasized the importance of communication and consistency, two pillars that sustain any successful community initiative. When asked why she encourages others to become user group leaders, Ayonija said, "Being part of a user group is one of the best ways to connect with experienced professionals in the same field and glean knowledge from them. If there isn't a local group, consider starting one; you'll soon find like-minded individuals." Her highlight from the past year as a user group leader was witnessing consistent growth within the group, a testament to the thriving community she has nurtured. Advocating for user group participation, Ayonija stated, "It's the fastest route to learning from the community, gaining insights, and staying updated on industry trends." Check out her group: Cleveland Power Platform User Group
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