Microsoft has launched PowerApps that can help users to build an app, even without software development experience required.
It is a new Office-like service that makes it easy for virtually any employee in a company to build basic mobile and web-based business apps. The new feature combines a cloud application backend with easy-to-use tools that make creating a mobile app a drag-and-drop affair. The new service is now officially available in preview.
PowerApps applications can get data from a variety of data sources including Office 365, Dynamics, Google Drive, Workday and other services. Developers can also build connections for PowerApps in their own services if there is no connector available, Tech Crunch reported.
Upon receiving connection, they can begin developing an application interface from one of Microsoft’s pre-built templates, or plug key data into PowerApps and suggest the right designs for their purposes.
After creating app, they can use Microsoft's service to share their newly created tools with co-workers who have the PowerApps application installed on their smartphones. A PowerApp is a native app that users install on their iOS, Android or Windows devices.
Currently, the apps like Users and developers can create and use a PowerApp inside a PowerApp. It is available in a limited public beta: anyone can sign up for an invitation, but Microsoft has the final say over who gets to try PowerApps.
According to Microsoft’s policies, IT still remains in control and can manage data access. For developers, PowerApps also includes Azure App Service, Microsoft’s developer-centric service for building mobile and web apps.
The Redmond-Washington based tech giant said that it has three potential audiences for PowerApps, according to Computer World: Business users, professional developers and IT pros, who will control and manage PowerApps.
Microsoft did not reveal the price yet while the service is in preview.