Use Dataverse virtual tables in Power Pages sites

As a Microsoft expert, I often get asked if it’s possible to build Power Pages that interact with data stored in databases other than Microsoft Dataverse, such as Azure SQL or other databases. While it was once impossible, you can now easily link your Azure SQL, SharePoint, and other data sources to your Power Pages using virtual tables.

My colleague Skylar Shonblom’s post, “There is no Power Pages without Dataverse,” emphasizes the importance of learning Dataverse and its features, as it powers Power Pages. Microsoft documentation provides a comprehensive guide on configuring and setting up the virtual tables provider to surface the information on a page.

In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of setting up and configuring an Azure SQL database table as a virtual table in Dataverse. We’ll surface it as a list on a webpage, link it to the Account table, and set up table permissions to protect the data using Power Pages security.

What is Microsoft Dataverse?

Microsoft Dataverse (formerly known as Common Data Service) is a cloud-based data storage and management platform that is part of the Microsoft Power Platform. It allows organizations to securely store and manage data from various sources, including Microsoft Dynamics 365, Office 365, and other third-party applications. With Microsoft Dataverse, users can create custom business applications, automate workflows, and build dashboards and reports based on their data.

Dataverse provides a standardized data schema that enables data to be easily shared across different applications within an organization. This makes it easier for users to create custom apps and integrations without having to worry about data consistency or interoperability issues. The platform also includes built-in security and compliance features, such as role-based access control and data encryption, to ensure that data is kept safe and secure.

Microsoft Dataverse supports a wide range of data types, including text, numbers, dates, images, and documents, and it includes advanced features for managing complex data relationships and hierarchies. It can also integrate with other Microsoft services, such as Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, to provide a complete solution for data management, application development, and analytics.

Overall, Microsoft Dataverse is a powerful tool for organizations looking to streamline their data management processes, build custom applications, and gain insights into their data.