Streamline Access to Organizational Data with Microsoft Graph

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Three Main Pillars
   • AI
   • Communication
   • Bringing Organizational Data into Apps
3. Getting Started with Microsoft Graph
   • App Registration
   • Configuring Providers
4. Using Microsoft Graph Toolkit
   • Introduction to Web Components
   • Searching for Files
5. Declarative vs Imperative Code
   • Introducing MGT Search Results Component
   • Benefits of Declarative Code
6. Improving User Experience
   • Eliminating Distractions
   • Bringing Data to Users
7. Conclusion
8. Resources

Bringing Organizational Data into Apps

In today's digital age, we find ourselves constantly juggling multiple tasks and using various apps and platforms to get things done. It's not uncommon to become sidetracked or overwhelmed while searching for specific information or documents across different tools like Outlook, OneDrive, or Teams. The good news is that there are ways to prevent these distractions and streamline the process of accessing organizational data within your apps.

Introduction

Welcome back to yet another session focused on improving the efficiency and productivity of your applications. In our previous Sessions, we explored the realms of AI and communication, integrating creative and productive features into our apps. Today, we will delve into the exciting topic of bringing organizational data directly into your applications.

The Three Main Pillars

Before we dive into the specifics of bringing organizational data into apps, let's quickly Recap the three main pillars we have covered in our previous sessions: AI, communication, and now, data integration.

AI

In our AI sessions, we learned how to infuse creativity and productivity into our applications. By leveraging AI-powered features and functionalities, we can enhance the overall user experience and streamline workflows.

Communication

Next, we explored communication services provided by Azure. We discussed how integrating communication capabilities directly into our apps, such as email and SMS sending, can minimize context switching and time wastage.

Bringing Organizational Data into Apps

Now, let's address the challenge of retrieving Relevant organizational data without resorting to time-consuming searches and distractions. With the power of Microsoft Graph, we can seamlessly integrate organizational data into our applications, making it easily accessible to users.

Getting Started with Microsoft Graph

To begin bringing organizational data into apps, we need to set up an app registration in the Azure portal, now known as Microsoft Intra ID. This app registration allows us to define the permissions and scopes necessary to access the desired data.

App Registration

Creating an app registration involves defining the app's name and selecting the type of accounts allowed to access it. You can choose between accounts from any organizational directory, specific tenants, or even include platforms like Skype and Xbox. Configuring the app registration establishes the foundation for accessing organizational data.

Configuring Providers

Once the app registration is complete, we can proceed to configure a global provider. This provider serves as a reusable frontend service, enabling us to make calls to Microsoft Graph. By feeding the app registration details, such as the client ID and required scopes, into the provider, we establish a secure connection to retrieve organizational data.

Using Microsoft Graph Toolkit

Now that our provider is set up and our app is registered, we can start exploring different ways to leverage Microsoft Graph Toolkit (MGT) in our applications. MGT is a powerful toolkit that simplifies the integration of Microsoft Graph functionalities into our app's frontend.

Introduction to Web Components

MGT offers a variety of web components that allow us to quickly incorporate Microsoft Graph features without writing extensive code. One such component is MGT Search Results, a powerful tool for searching and retrieving files within your organization.

Searching for Files

Using the MGT Search Results component, we can seamlessly integrate file search functionality into our app. By specifying the desired search parameters, such as the organization's name or a specific person, the component utilizes Microsoft Graph APIs to fetch the relevant files from platforms like OneDrive or SharePoint.

Declarative vs Imperative Code

When working with MGT and Microsoft Graph, developers have the choice between declarative and imperative code. While imperative code involves writing every step of the functionality, declarative code offers a more streamlined and intuitive approach.

Introducing MGT Search Results Component

MGT Search Results is a prime example of declarative code in action. By utilizing this component, we eliminate the need for extensive code to retrieve and display search results. Instead, we can simply define the parameters and let MGT handle the rest.

Benefits of Declarative Code

Embracing declarative code not only simplifies development but also improves readability and maintainability. With less code to write and manage, developers can focus on other essential aspects of their applications, maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Improving User Experience

By bringing organizational data into our apps, we can enhance the overall user experience and eliminate unnecessary distractions. Instead of requiring users to switch between different apps or platforms, we can Present all the relevant data within a unified interface.

Eliminating Distractions

With organizational data readily available within the app, users can avoid the common pitfall of becoming sidetracked during the search process. By minimizing distractions, we empower users to stay focused on their tasks and increase productivity.

Bringing Data to Users

The integration of Microsoft Graph Toolkit and the use of web components allow us to seamlessly bring organizational data to users. By eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps or platforms, we create a more efficient and enjoyable user experience, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity.

Conclusion

Incorporating organizational data into applications is a valuable strategy for streamlining workflows and improving productivity. With the power of Microsoft Graph and the simplicity of Microsoft Graph Toolkit, developers can create apps that provide seamless access to organizational data. By doing so, we eliminate distractions, increase efficiency, and empower users to accomplish their tasks more effectively.

Resources

• Tutorial Link
• GitHub Co-Pilot Event