Supercharge Your Power Platform with OpenAI

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Meet Robin and Jocelyn
3. What is a Connector?
4. Types of Connectors
   • Custom Connectors
   • Certified Connectors
     • First-Party Connectors
     • Verified Third-Party Connectors
     • Independent Publishers
5. The Independent-Publisher Connector Program
6. How to Get Started
7. The Power of the OpenAI Connector
8. Demonstrating the OpenAI Connector
   • Connecting to OpenAI
   • Using the Completion Endpoint
   • Examples of AI-generated Text
   • Using the Connector in a Content Management System
   • Creating a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Game
9. The Possibilities are Endless
10. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In today's episode of the Low Code Revolution, we have two special guests, Robin and Jocelyn, who will be discussing the exciting topic of OpenAI and connectors. But first, let's take a moment to introduce our guests and understand their background.

Meet Robin and Jocelyn

Robin, who hails from Germany, has a background in mechanical engineering but developed a passion for data applications and low code over the years. He currently works as a low-code enabler, helping his colleagues utilize Power Apps and explore its full potential. Robin is also an active member of the Power Apps community and runs a successful YouTube Channel called R2Power.

On the other HAND, Jocelyn grew up on the East Coast in New York and New Jersey. She is currently Based in Seattle as a Product Manager for the Power Platform Connectors team. With a mechanical engineering degree and a minor in Spanish, Jocelyn is a living example of how low code technologies can bridge gaps between industries and facilitate career transitions.

What is a Connector?

Before diving into the specifics of the OpenAI connector, let's start by understanding what a connector is. From a technical perspective, a connector acts as a wrapper around a REST API, enabling the connection between external services and data sources with Microsoft products. Connectors serve as a data highway, facilitating seamless integration with products like Power Apps, Power Automate, Azure Logic Apps, and more.

Types of Connectors

There are different types of connectors available, each serving a specific purpose. The first type is custom connectors, which provide personalized solutions that can be coded and deployed within an individual's environment. However, custom connectors are not certified or shared.

The Second Type is certified connectors, which are accessible to all Microsoft users. These connectors can be further categorized into first-party connectors, which are owned and created by Microsoft, and verified third-party connectors, developed by external API owners. The third and most fascinating type is independent publishers, where community contributors leverage open-source APIs to create innovative solutions.

The Independent-Publisher Connector Program

In this episode, Robin introduces the audience to the independent-publisher connector program. This program allows individuals to Create their own connectors using open-source APIs. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the connector ecosystem and share personalized solutions with the wider community. As of now, there are a staggering 239 independent publisher connectors, proving that the community is growing even larger than Microsoft itself.

How to Get Started

Getting started with the independent-publisher connector program is incredibly simple. All connectors created under this program are open-sourced, eliminating any barriers to entry. To begin the Journey, interested individuals can visit the GitHub repository for Microsoft's Power Platform Connectors. The repository provides step-by-step instructions on creating custom connectors, as well as a list of top connector requests for those seeking inspiration.

The Power of the OpenAI Connector

Now, let's Delve into the main topic of discussion - the OpenAI connector. Robin was inspired to create this connector after witnessing a colleague's demo on the capabilities of OpenAI and its three models. The idea of using AI for creative writing intrigued Robin, and he decided to explore its potential within the Power Apps and Power Automate platforms.

With the OpenAI connector, users can tap into the power of ChatGPT and other models to generate text, correct spelling and grammar, and even rewrite paragraphs in a more suitable style. The connector proves invaluable for non-native English speakers like Robin, who can now receive AI-powered assistance in content creation.

Demonstrating the OpenAI Connector

During the episode, Robin provides a live demonstration of the OpenAI connector in action. He showcases a simple app with a text input and a button that triggers the AI response. By connecting to OpenAI through the independent-publisher connector, users can harness the power of AI to obtain prompt-based answers. Robin goes on to demonstrate how this functionality can be incorporated into a content management system, enhancing the writing process and improving the quality of the content.

Furthermore, Robin showcases a fascinating project - a "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" style game, where all the questions and answers are generated on the spot using the OpenAI connector. This demonstrates the versatility and endless possibilities of AI integration with the Power Platform.

The Possibilities are Endless

The OpenAI connector is just one example of the immense potential that connectors offer within the Power Platform. By leveraging AI and open-source APIs, developers and Creators can build innovative solutions for various use cases. The connector ecosystem continues to expand, with countless creative minds contributing to the growth and usability of connectors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the episode shed light on the power of connectors in integrating external services and data sources with Microsoft products. The independent-publisher connector program allows community contributors to share their innovative solutions and contribute to the ever-expanding connector ecosystem. The OpenAI connector, in particular, offers exciting opportunities for content creation, game development, and countless other use cases. With the ease of use and versatility of connectors, the possibilities are truly endless.

Remember to check out the OpenAI connector and the independent-publisher connector program, share your use cases, and be part of the growing low code revolution. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we will explore more fascinating topics within the world of low code development.

Highlights

• Connectors act as a wrapper around REST APIs, facilitating integration between external services and Microsoft products.
• Certified connectors empower users to seamlessly connect with various Microsoft products, such as Power Apps and Power Automate.
• The independent-publisher connector program allows anyone to create and share connectors using open-source APIs.
• The OpenAI connector brings the power of AI to content creation, providing assistance with grammar correction, rewriting paragraphs, and prompt-based text generation.
• The possibilities with connectors are vast and extend beyond AI integration, with applications in content management systems, game development, and more.
• The connector ecosystem is continuously expanding, with the community playing a significant role in developing innovative solutions.

FAQ

Q: What is a connector? A: A connector is a wrapper around a REST API that enables the connection between external services and Microsoft products, facilitating seamless integration.

Q: Are all connectors certified and shared? A: No, while custom connectors are personalized and deployed within individual environments, certified connectors, including first-party, verified third-party, and independent publishers, are available to all Microsoft users.

Q: How can I get started with the independent-publisher connector program? A: Visit the GitHub repository for Microsoft's Power Platform Connectors to access instructions on creating custom connectors and explore a list of top connector requests for inspiration.

Q: What is the power of the OpenAI connector? A: The OpenAI connector empowers users to tap into AI capabilities, such as ChatGPT, for tasks like text generation, spellchecking, and Paragraph rewriting, enhancing the content creation process.

Q: Can the OpenAI connector be used in game development? A: Yes, the OpenAI connector can be utilized to generate questions and answers on the spot, making it suitable for game development, as demonstrated with the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" style game.

Q: How can I contribute to the connector ecosystem? A: By participating in the independent-publisher connector program, individuals can create and share their connectors, helping expand the connector ecosystem and driving innovation.