GTconsult - Blog #SharePoint AppsGTconsult - Blog #SharePoint Appshttps://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/tag/SharePoint-AppsWed, 01 Apr 2026 02:59:08 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[SharePoint Online CSP Enforcement: What Admins Need to Do Before March 1, 2026]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sharepoint-online-csp-enforcement-what-admins-need-to-do-before-march-1-2026Microsoft is enforcing CSP in SharePoint Online on March 1, 2026. Non-compliant scripts will be blocked. Here's what's changing, what's at risk, and how to prepare your environment before enforcement goes live.]]>

Microsoft is rolling out Content Security Policy (CSP) enforcement for all SharePoint Online tenants on March 1, 2026. If you manage a SharePoint environment with custom scripts, SPFx solutions, or third-party integrations, this change could break things — and the clock is ticking.

Here's what's changing, what's at risk, and exactly how to prepare.

What Is CSP and Why Does It Matter?

Content Security Policy is a browser-level security standard that controls which scripts a page is allowed to load and execute. It's one of the most effective defenses against cross-site scripting (XSS), clickjacking, and code injection attacks.


Until now, SharePoint Online has been running CSP in report-only mode — logging violations without actually blocking anything. That changes on 1 March when enforcement goes live. After that date, any script that doesn't comply with the CSP rules will be blocked by the browser, potentially breaking custom web parts, third-party tools, and SPFx solutions.

Key Dates

  • Now through 28 February, 2026 — Report-only mode. Violations are logged but scripts still run.
  • March 1, 2026 — CSP enforcement begins. Non-compliant scripts are blocked.
  • June 1, 2026 — Extended deadline if you opt in to the 90-day delay via PowerShell.

What Will Be Blocked?

Not everything is affected. Here's a breakdown of the four common script patterns and their CSP impact:

1. SPFx bundles hosted in ClientSideAssets (default pattern)
No action needed. These are trusted automatically.

2. External CDN bundles via cdnBasePath
No action needed. SharePoint auto-adds the CDN domain to Trusted Script Sources when the app is installed.

3. External libraries loaded via the externals config
No action needed. The CDN domain is auto-trusted.

4. Dynamic script loading via SPComponentLoader.loadScript()
Action required. You must manually add the script source to the Trusted Script Sources list in SharePoint Admin Center.

5. Inline scripts (JavaScript in HTML, event handlers, innerHTML, document.write())
These will be blocked outright. There is no nonce workaround — Microsoft has confirmed they will not expose nonce values. You must refactor inline scripts into external files and register them as trusted sources.

How to Audit Your Environment

Step 1: Check the Browser Console

Open any SharePoint page that uses custom solutions, press F12 to open Dev Tools, and look for CSP violation messages in the Console tab. You'll see entries like:

  • "Loading the script '<url>' violates the following..."
  • "Executing inline script violates the following Content Security Policy directive..."


Step 2: Use Microsoft Purview

For a tenant-wide view, go to Microsoft Purview (purview.microsoft.com) and create an audit report filtering for the activity "Violated Content Security Policy." This gives you a comprehensive list of every page and script generating violations across your environment.


Step 3: Review the Directives

Pay attention to both Directive 12 (script-src) and Directive 13 (style-src) violations. Both are relevant — Directive 13 applies to inline code constructs that will also be blocked under enforcement.

How to Fix It

Add Trusted Script Sources

Go to SharePoint Admin Center → Advanced → Script sources and add any external domains your solutions depend on. A few things to note:

  • You can add up to 300 entries.
  • Overly broad wildcards like*or*.domainare not allowed.
  • Use targeted wildcards to consolidate where possible.
  • If a script loads from a CDN, you need to trust that specific CDN domain.

Refactor Inline Scripts

This is the big one. Any JavaScript embedded directly in HTML, event handlers, or injected viainnerHTMLordocument.write() must be moved into external.jsfiles hosted at a trusted location. There's no shortcut here —unsafe-inlineis not permitted, and Microsoft will not provide nonce values.


Validate Auto-Trusted Sources

If you usecdnBasePathwithout a trailing slash, the auto-generated Trusted Script Sources entry may not match correctly. Double-check these entries manually after deploying your solutions.

Buying More Time

If your team isn't ready by 1 March, you can delay enforcement by 90 days using the SharePoint Online Management Shell:

This pushes enforcement to June 1, 2026. It's a one-time delay — use it wisely and don't treat it as a permanent fix.

What Abouteval()?

Good news on this front: Microsoft's CSP implementation includesunsafe-evalin thescript-srcdirective, soeval()calls in your scripts will continue to work. This was confirmed by the SharePoint team in the community discussion.

Communicate With Your Users

Once enforcement begins, end users may see broken functionality or warning messages on pages that rely on non-compliant scripts. Get ahead of this with proactive communication:

  • Explain that this is a security improvement, not a system failure.
  • Provide a clear path for users to report issues.
  • Coordinate with any third-party vendors whose solutions run in your SharePoint environment.

Communicate With Your Users

Once enforcement begins, end users may see broken functionality or warning messages on pages that rely on non-compliant scripts. 


Get ahead of this with proactive communication:


  • ​Explain that this is a security improvement, not a system failure.
    • Provide a clear path for users to report issues.
    • Coordinate with any third-party vendors whose solutions run in your SharePoint environment.


    Bottom Line

    CSP enforcement is a welcome security improvement, but it requires hands-on preparation. The report-only window closes on February 28. Use the time you have to audit violations in Purview, fix inline scripts, register trusted sources, and communicate the change to your users. If you need more time, enable the 90-day delay — but start the work now.

    Further reading:

    ]]>    Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:04:00 +0000    <![CDATA[Power Automate in SharePoint]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/power-automate-in-sharepointA blog focusing on the transformative power of Power Automate. This blog looks at: What is Power Automate? What are Power Automate's key uses? What are the different types of flows in Power Automate? Practical examples/uses of Power Automate.]]>

    Integrating Power Automate for SharePoint Solutions

    Power Automate, a component of Microsoft's Power Platform, is a powerful tool that allows users to automate workflows and streamline processes across various applications and services. When integrated with SharePoint, Power Automate becomes a robust solution for automating repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort, and improving overall productivity within SharePoint environments.

    In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are essential. Manual tasks and repetitive workflows can bog down productivity and hinder progress. However, with tools like Power Automate, businesses can revolutionize their operations by automating processes seamlessly within SharePoint.


    If you have been following/reading our blogs or are familiar with Microsoft's offerings you may be aware that Microsoft has a family of products that form part of the Power Platform, namely: 


    • Power BI
    • Power Apps
    • Power Automate
    • Power Virtual Agents
    • Power Pages 

    We have already covered PowerApps in SharePoint, and, in today’s blog, we will be looking at Power Automate in SharePoint. Let’s get into it.

    What is Power Automate?

    Power Automate, formerly known as Microsoft Flow, is a powerful cloud-based service that  allows users to create automated workflows between their favorite apps and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more, without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

     

    In essence, Power Automate enables users to automate repetitive tasks and business processes across a wide range of applications and services, both within the Microsoft ecosystem and external sources. It employs a low-code or no-code approach, meaning that users can build sophisticated workflows and automation processes using a visual interface without writing extensive lines of code.

     

    The platform offers a variety of connectors that enable integration with popular services such as SharePoint, Power BI, Outlook, Teams, Planner, Asana, Mailchimp, Twitter, Google Drive, and many others. These connectors allow users to trigger actions and responses across different platforms seamlessly.

    Power Automate offers a wide range of capabilities within SharePoint, enabling users to automate workflows, streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve productivity across their organization. Whether it's automating document approvals, setting up notifications, synchronizing data, enforcing version control, integrating with Microsoft 365 apps, customizing business processes, or automating routine tasks, Power Automate provides organizations with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of SharePoint as a comprehensive platform for content management and teamwork.

    The key uses of Power Automate

    1. Document Approval Workflows

    Power Automate allows users to create sophisticated approval workflows for documents stored in SharePoint libraries. These workflows can be customized to fit specific organizational requirements. For instance, when a new document is uploaded to a SharePoint library, Power Automate can automatically trigger an approval process. Approvers receive notifications via email or Microsoft Teams, review the document directly within SharePoint, provide feedback, and approve or reject the document. Power Automate manages the entire approval lifecycle, ensuring that documents are processed efficiently and in accordance with organizational policies.


    2. Notification and Alerts
    ​

    Power Automate enables users to set up automated notifications and alerts within SharePoint. These notifications can be triggered by various events, such as document modifications, task assignments, or approaching deadlines. For example, when a document is modified, Power Automate can send notifications to relevant team members, notifying them of the change and prompting them to review the updated content. By automating notifications and alerts, Power Automate helps keep stakeholders informed and facilitates timely communication within the organization.



    3. Data Synchronization
    ​

    Power Automate facilitates seamless data synchronization between SharePoint and external systems or applications. Users can create workflows that automatically sync data between SharePoint lists and external databases, CRM systems, or cloud services. For instance, when new data is added to an external system, Power Automate can update corresponding records in SharePoint, ensuring data consistency across different platforms. By automating data synchronization, organizations can eliminate manual data entry errors and maintain accurate and up-to-date information.




    4. Document Routing and Version Control

    Power Automate can automate the process of routing documents within SharePoint and enforcing version control policies. For instance, when a document is uploaded to SharePoint, Power Automate can automatically route it to designated reviewers or approvers based on predefined criteria. Additionally, Power Automate can manage document versioning by creating new versions of documents, tracking changes, and maintaining a complete audit trail of revisions. By automating document routing and version control, organizations can ensure that documents are reviewed, approved, and managed effectively, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

    5. Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps

    Power Automate seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Outlook, Teams, and Power BI. Users can create workflows that leverage these apps to automate various tasks and processes within SharePoint. For example, Power Automate can automate the process of sending emails, scheduling meetings, creating team channels, and generating reports—all within the context of SharePoint. By integrating with Microsoft 365 apps, Power Automate extends the capabilities of SharePoint and enables users to streamline collaboration and communication across the organization.




    6. Custom Business Processes

    Power Automate empowers users to design custom business processes and workflows tailored to their organization's specific needs. Whether it's automating HR processes, managing procurement requests, or tracking project milestones, Power Automate provides the flexibility to create workflows that align with unique business requirements. Users can leverage Power Automate's visual designer to define workflow logic, set up triggers and actions, and automate complex business processes within SharePoint. By customizing business processes with Power Automate, organizations can improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive business growth.

    7. Task Automation
    ​

    Power Automate can automate various routine tasks and processes within SharePoint, helping users save time and reduce manual effort. For example, Power Automate can automate tasks such as updating metadata, archiving documents, generating reports, and sending reminders. By automating these tasks, users can streamline their workflows, minimize errors, and focus on more strategic activities. Power Automate's flexible and intuitive interface makes it easy to create and manage automated tasks within SharePoint, enabling users to optimize their productivity and achieve better outcomes.



    Types of flows in Power Automate

    Flows in Power Automate are the fundamental building blocks used to automate workflows and processes across various applications and services. Essentially, flows represent sequences of actions and triggers that dictate how tasks are performed and how data moves between different systems.


    Key components of flows in Power Automate:

    Triggers:

    Triggers are events that initiate the execution of a flow. They serve as the starting point for the flow and can be triggered by various occurrences, such as the creation of a new document, the receipt of an email, the submission of a form, or the updating of a record in a database. Triggers define when a flow should start executing and specify the conditions under which it should be activated.

    Actions:

    Actions are the individual steps or operations performed within a flow. They represent specific tasks that need to be executed as part of the workflow. Actions can include sending an email, creating a new record in a database, updating a file in a cloud storage service, posting a message in a collaboration tool, or performing a calculation. Actions define the behavior and functionality of the flow and determine what tasks it should accomplish.

    Conditions and Control Logic:

    Flows in Power Automate can include conditions and control logic to make decisions and guide the flow of execution. Conditional statements allow flows to evaluate data and perform different actions based on specified criteria. For example, a flow may include conditional logic to route documents for approval only if they meet certain criteria, or to send notifications to specific users based on the content of an email. Control logic enables flows to perform branching, looping, and error handling, ensuring that tasks are executed correctly and efficiently.

    Connectors:

    Connectors are integration points that enable flows to interact with external applications, services, and data sources. Power Automate provides a wide range of connectors that allow flows to connect to popular apps, such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Drive, Twitter, and Dropbox, as well as custom APIs and web services. Connectors provide the necessary interfaces and protocols for flows to exchange data and perform actions across different systems.

    Templates:

    Power Automate offers a library of pre-built templates that users can leverage to quickly create and deploy common workflows and processes. Templates provide a starting point for building flows and offer examples of how flows can be configured to automate specific tasks and scenarios. Users can customize templates to fit their unique requirements and integrate them into their own workflows seamlessly.

    By defining triggers, actions, conditions, and connectors, users can create powerful and efficient workflows that enhance productivity, improve collaboration, and drive digital transformation within their organization.

    Power Automate has three primary types of flows:

    Cloud Flows
    Desktop Flows
    Business Process Flows
    Cloud Flows

    Cloud Flows

    These allow users to automate workflows between modern (API) cloud-based services. Cloud flows can be automated based on specific triggers, such as the arrival of an email or the creation of a new document in SharePoint.

    Practical Examples

    Desktop Flows

    Desktop Flows

    Desktop flows enable users to automate workflows between modern (API) cloud-based services and legacy (non-API) systems. They utilize robotic process automation (RPA) to automate user interface interactions on the desktop or web.

    Practical Examples

    Business Process Flows

    Business Process Flows

    These enable the automation of multistep, guided processes within an organization, ensuring consistency and efficiency in operations. They can be integrated with Microsoft Power Apps to create visual, guided experiences for users.

    Practical Examples

    Example 1: Automatically Archiving Email Attachments

    When attachments related to a client are sent, Power Automate can automatically archive them into the appropriate SharePoint folder. This streamlined process saves valuable time otherwise spent searching through emails, ensuring that documents are stored within the correct document library for easy retrieval.

    Set up the flow:

    Test the flow:

    Run the flow:

    Power Automate also displays approval details:

    Example 2: Streamlining Holiday Requests and Approvals

    To efficiently manage employee time off, automating the approval process is essential. Power Automate facilitates this by automatically sending leave requests to managers and notifying them of responses. In our organization, we've implemented a Microsoft Power App to manage employee holidays, seamlessly integrating Power Automate for the request and approval process.

    Example 3: Document Approval and Team Notification via Teams

    Critical documents often require approval before dissemination, a process that can be tedious and time-consuming. With Power Automate, document approval workflows can be automated within SharePoint. When a new document is uploaded, an approval request is initiated, and team members are notified via Microsoft Teams. For instance, at the project's outset, various documents may need approval before progress can proceed. Power Automate can streamline this process by automatically notifying relevant team members via Teams, ensuring timely approvals and project momentum.

    Example 4: Info Mailers

    At GT we have Info Mailers hard at work in the Morning Report which is sent daily at 8AM to the entire company. With the GT Morning Report everyone in the company regardless of location knows all the important info before they start their day. The Support staff can react to open calls, The Project managers can resource plan in case of ill staff, and finance can choose when to make international payments based on the exchange rate. This mailer helps make the staff more proactive, more educated and more informed with data to assist them navigate their day.

    These are not the only examples, the application of Power Automate presents a multitude of uses. It has the potential to elevate productivity and simplify cumbersome tasks for organizations of all sizes.

    In Conclusion

    Power Automate stands as a transformative tool within SharePoint, revolutionizing how organizations manage workflows, automate processes, and enhance collaboration. Through its intuitive interface and robust functionality, Power Automate empowers users to streamline document management, automate approval workflows, and integrate with a myriad of external applications and services seamlessly.

    By harnessing the power of Power Automate, organizations can unlock new levels of agility, productivity, and innovation. Whether it's automating repetitive tasks, enforcing compliance, or accelerating decision-making processes, Power Automate enables organizations to stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

    As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, the integration of Power Automate with SharePoint emerges as a strategic imperative. By leveraging the synergies between these platforms, organizations can drive operational excellence, foster collaboration, and propel business growth.

    In essence, Power Automate in SharePoint represents a paradigm shift in how organizations leverage technology to streamline processes, maximize productivity, and achieve their business objectives. As we look towards the future, the possibilities with Power Automate are limitless, empowering organizations to redefine what's possible in the realm of workflow automation and collaboration.

    At GTconsult, we specialize in empowering organizations to harness the full potential of Power Automate and SharePoint integration. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you unleash the transformative power of automation, optimize collaboration, and drive business growth.

        

    Ready to revolutionize your workflows and unlock new levels of efficiency? Contact GTconsult today to discover how our tailored solutions and expertise can propel your organization towards digital excellence. Together, let's embark on a journey of innovation, efficiency, and success with Power Automate and SharePoint.

    Let's Talk!

    Keep Reading

    Check out our other blogs below:

    SharePoint Intranets: An Overview

    Creating a knowledge base in SharePoint

    Let's talk SharePoint permissions

    Micro-moments, Macro-impact              

    Expert insights: Why and how to migrate to SharePoint SE

    PowerApps in SharePoint

    GTconsult: Your trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work 

    SharePoint Migration Checklist


    CCI Case Study


    ]]>    Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:40:58 +0000    <![CDATA[What is SharePoint?]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/what-is-sharepointIn this blog, we delve into the world of SharePoint: What is SharePoint, The history of SharePoint, and key SharePoint concepts. The primary goal of this blog is to empower and inform you, providing valuable insights to optimize your utilization of SharePoint and extract its full potential]]>

    What do I need to know?

    In this blog, we delve into the world of SharePoint, what it is, its history, and key concepts. The primary goal of this blog is to empower and inform you, providing valuable insights to optimize your utilization of SharePoint and extract its full potential.


    What is SharePoint?


    You will never realize the full potential of something if you don't understand its power. Often, we miss out on something amazing, not because we lack access to it, but because we have no idea of its value in our hands. 

     

    Over the past few months, we've been addressing frequently asked questions on our social media platforms, addressing common inquiries from both our existing and potential clients. While this has been going well, we've inadvertently overlooked something fundamental to our work: SharePoint! 

     

    Could it be that you don't recognize the value of partnering with GTconsult because you don’t see the potential of SharePoint? Or perhaps you're on board with SharePoint but aren't sure how to maximize its capabilities? This blog is tailored just for you, and GT is the company you need in your corner! 


    But before we dive into why GTconsult is your best choice, let's answer a crucial question: What is SharePoint? 

     

    Microsoft SharePoint is a versatile platform designed to help organizations enhance collaboration, streamline business processes, and effectively manage their content and information. SharePoint offers a wide array of features and capabilities to assist businesses and teams in creating, organizing, sharing, and managing information and resources efficiently. 

    The History of SharePoint

     Office Server Extensions (1999-2001) Office Server Extensions were the earliest version of Microsoft's server software for collaboration and document management. They provided basic web-based collaboration features and were part of Microsoft's Office suite.
     SharePoint Portal Server 2001 Released in 2001, SharePoint Portal Server 2001 was the first dedicated SharePoint product. It focused on document management and search capabilities, allowing organizations to create a centralized portal for information sharing and collaboration. It was eventually replaced by newer versions.
     SharePoint Team Services (2002-2003) SharePoint Team Services were a free add-on to Windows Server 2003. It offered basic collaboration features like document libraries, lists, and web-based project management. It was discontinued with the release of Windows SharePoint Services 2.0.
     Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 (2003) Also known as WSS 2.0, this free add-on to Windows Server 2003 provided improved collaboration features compared to SharePoint Team Services. It was the foundation for the next versions of SharePoint.
     SharePoint Portal Server 2003 Released in 2003, this version improved on its predecessor by enhancing document management, search, and portal capabilities. It served as a platform for information and document management.
     Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (2007) WSS 3.0, introduced alongside SharePoint Server 2007, provided enhanced collaboration features and integration with Microsoft Office. It was available for free and laid the foundation for subsequent versions.
     Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 SharePoint Server 2007, also known as MOSS 2007, offered enterprise-level features for content management, business intelligence, and workflow automation. It marked a significant step forward in SharePoint's capabilities.
     SharePoint Foundation 2010, SharePoint Server 2010, and SharePoint Enterprise 2010 These versions were released in 2010. SharePoint Foundation was a free edition offering basic collaboration features. SharePoint Server 2010 added advanced functionality, and SharePoint Enterprise 2010 further extended it with features like business connectivity services, InfoPath Forms Services, and Excel Services.
     SharePoint Foundation 2013, SharePoint Server 2013, and SharePoint Enterprise 2013 Released in 2013, these versions continued the pattern established in 2010. SharePoint Foundation was free and provided basic features. SharePoint Server 2013 included advanced features, and SharePoint Enterprise 2013 added even more capabilities for large enterprises.
     SharePoint Online (Plan 1 and 2) SharePoint Online is part of Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and offers cloud-based collaboration and document management services. Plan 1 and Plan 2 provide different feature sets and are available through subscription plans.
     SharePoint Server 2016 and SharePoint Enterprise 2016Released in 2016, SharePoint Server 2016 brought hybrid cloud capabilities and improved performance. SharePoint Enterprise 2016 offered advanced features for organizations with specific needs.
     SharePoint Server 2019 and SharePoint Enterprise 2019 Released in 2019, these versions continued to improve on the previous offerings. SharePoint Server 2019 provided on-premises solutions with enhancements in security and user experience, while SharePoint Enterprise 2019 extended the feature set for enterprise customers.
     SharePoint SE 2021 SharePoint Server Subscription Edition marks the next phase in the evolution of SharePoint Server, designed specifically to address the requirements of on-premises customers. This release introduces a range of new features aimed at streamlining administration, bolstering security measures, and facilitating a smoother transition when upgrading from earlier versions of SharePoint Server.
     SharePoint Premium 2023 An advanced content management and experiences platform and the next evolution for Syntex. SharePoint Premium brings AI, automation, and added security to your content experiences, processing, and governance. With SharePoint Premium the services already released as part of Syntex, including SharePoint Advanced Management, will be transitioned to join the growing family of SharePoint services along with brand new content experiences.

    Key SharePoint Concepts

    To better grasp SharePoint's functionality, let's use the analogy of a home.

     

    Think of SharePoint as a home with a family living in it, where the members of your organization represent the members of that family. 

    You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box

    Document Management

    Just like in a home where we keep important and frequently used items such as birth certificates, passports, photo albums, pots, pans, and toothbrushes, SharePoint allows users to create, store, and manage documents in a centralized repository. It provides version control, document check-in/check-out, and co-authoring features to ensure that team members can collaborate on documents without conflicts.

            

    Document Management in SharePoint        

    SharePoint provides powerful tools for document management. Users can upload, organize, and collaborate on documents with features like version control, co-authoring, and check-in/check-out.

            


    Version Control

    SharePoint automatically tracks changes made to documents, allowing users to view and revert to previous versions if needed. This is crucial for maintaining document integrity.

            

    Co-Authoring        

    Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, and SharePoint ensures that changes don't conflict, making collaboration more efficient.

            

    Check-In/Check-Out        

    This feature allows users to lock a document for editing, preventing others from making changes until it's checked back in. This is especially useful when you need to maintain document consistency.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

    Collaboration

    Just as you can collaborate with other members in the household to get tasks done, teams can collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other content in real-time. SharePoint provides features like document sharing, comments, and task assignments to facilitate teamwork.
      
    SharePoint is primarily known for its robust collaboration features, which facilitate teamwork and information sharing within an organization.
      
    Discussion Boards

    Discussion boards allow users to post and discuss topics or questions within a SharePoint site. They are useful for fostering communication and sharing ideas.


      

    Announcements  

    Announcements are a way to broadcast important news and updates to site members. They appear prominently on the site's homepage.

      

    Calendars  

    SharePoint offers shared calendars that can be used for scheduling events, meetings, and milestones. Users can easily view and add events to these calendars.

      

    Shared Documents  

    Document libraries, as discussed earlier, are a central place for storing and collaborating on documents. They enable users to work on the same document simultaneously, track changes, and maintain version history.


    Task Lists

    Task lists can be used for creating and assigning tasks to team members. They help in tracking progress and ensuring that responsibilities are clear.

    Sites

    Not everyone has access to your home, it’s a private space only accessible to the members of the family. Sometimes, you may have guests over or even chat to someone in the front yard without them entering your home. SharePoint can be used to create intranet sites, which are internal websites for an organization, and extranet sites, which are accessible to external partners or customers. These sites can be customized to include news, announcements, and various web parts.



        

    SharePoint sites are the building blocks of your collaboration environment. Think of them as dedicated spaces for teams, projects, or departments to work together, share information, and collaborate effectively. Each site is unique and can be customized to meet the specific needs of its users.

        

    SharePoint offers different types of sites, including:

        

    Team Sites

    Designed for collaboration within a specific team or group. They are excellent for managing projects, sharing documents, and collaborating on tasks.

        

    Communication Sites

    More suitable for sharing information and news with a broader audience. They often include announcements, news posts, and other content for general consumption.

        

    Site Hierarchy 

    SharePoint sites can be organized in a hierarchical structure, with top-level sites (usually used for the entire organization) and sub-sites (dedicated to specific teams or projects). This hierarchy helps manage and structure your SharePoint environment effectively.

    Workflows

    Much like the unique ways things are done in each home, SharePoint includes a workflow engine that allows organizations to automate and streamline business processes. Custom workflows can be created to automate tasks, approvals, and notifications.

      

    SharePoint offers various tools for creating workflows:

      

    Power Automate  

    SharePoint can integrate with Power Automate (formerly known as Flow), a powerful workflow automation platform. Users can build custom workflows to automate tasks, notifications, and data integration between SharePoint and other apps in the Microsoft 365 suite.

      

    Approval Workflows  

    SharePoint allows you to create approval workflows, which can be used for tasks such as document approvals, leave requests, and expense reports. These workflows can send notifications to the relevant stakeholders and ensure that processes follow a predefined path.

      

    Custom Workflows 

    You can create custom workflows tailored to your organization's specific needs. These workflows can be designed to trigger actions based on certain conditions or events within SharePoint.

    Search

    Who do you call at home if you can’t find something, let’s all say it together, “MOOOOOOMMMMMMM!” SharePoint has a powerful search engine that, much like mom, helps users find documents, sites, and information quickly. It supports features like content search, people search, and customizable search results.

      

    SharePoint provides robust search capabilities to help users quickly find the information they need.

      

    Enterprise Search  

    SharePoint's enterprise search feature enables users to search for documents, content, and data across the entire SharePoint environment. It uses advanced algorithms to deliver accurate search results.

      

    Metadata and Tagging  

    Effective search relies on the use of metadata and tagging. SharePoint allows users to add metadata to documents, making it easier to categorize and find content. Tagging content with relevant keywords enhances search results.

      

    Search Refinements  

    Users can refine their search results using filters, date ranges, and other criteria to pinpoint the exact information they're looking for.

    Lists

    Not every home had an organization board with cute sticky notes and the like. Maybe you are familiar with important tasks, to do lists or grocery lists being placed on the fridge. Well your lists in SharePoint are like that, but more organized…we hope.

                    

    Lists are collections of data organized in rows and columns, somewhat similar to spreadsheets. They help you manage various types of information and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Lists can be used for tasks, contacts, events, inventory, and more.

                    

    Common Types of Lists


    Task Lists                

    Used for tracking tasks and their status within a project or team.

                    

    Contact Lists                

    Used for storing and managing contact information for team members, clients, or partners.

                    

    Calendar Lists                

    Used to schedule and keep track of events and appointments.

    Libraries

    Think of the cupboards, drawers in your home; there's a place for everything and for everything there is a place. This helps you find things easily, you're not looking for a spoon in the cutlery drawer or finding toiletries in the pantry.

     

    Libraries in SharePoint are repositories where you store and manage your documents and files. They are essential for document management, version control, and collaboration. A library can be thought of as a digital filing cabinet.

     

    Document Libraries 

    These are the most common types of libraries, used for storing documents such as Word files, PDFs, spreadsheets, and more.

     

    List Libraries

    Lists are used for managing data that isn't necessarily document-based, such as tasks, issues, contacts, or events.

     

    Assets Libraries

    These libraries are specialized for managing media files like images and videos.

    Permissions

    Not everyone can just waltz in and out of your home or different rooms in the home, sometimes you need access to enter someone’s room, maybe kids are not allowed in the office or perhaps access to the pantry is controlled. SharePoint offers robust security features, including role-based access control and permissions management. 


    Administrators can control who has access to specific content and what actions they can perform. Some of these permissions include:

                                                                                                                                    

    User Permissions                                                                                                                                

    SharePoint allows you to control who can access and interact with the content in your sites, libraries, and lists. It's essential to understand how permissions work to maintain data security and ensure that the right people have the right level of access.

                                                                                                                                    

    Permission Levels

    SharePoint offers predefined permission levels like "Read," "Edit," and "Full Control." These define what users can and cannot do within a site or library.

                                                                                                                                    

    Groups  

    You can group users with similar permission needs into security groups, making it easier to manage permissions at scale.

                                                                                                                                    

    Inheritance  

    SharePoint's permission structure follows an inheritance model, where permissions cascade from parent sites to child sites, libraries, and lists. Understanding this concept is key to managing permissions effectively.                                                                                                                              

    Integration                    

    Just as you use different appliances and equipment for various purposes in your home, SharePoint can be integrated with other Microsoft products like Microsoft Office, Teams, and OneDrive. It also supports integration with third-party applications and services.

     

    Some Microsoft products it integrates with include:

     

    Microsoft Teams 

    SharePoint integration with Microsoft Teams allows users to create Teams channels and access SharePoint content directly within the Teams interface. This promotes a unified collaboration experience.

     

    OneDrive for Business 

    Users can sync SharePoint libraries with OneDrive for Business, making it easier to access, edit, and share documents from their local devices.

     

    Outlook 

    SharePoint integration with Outlook enables users to access and share documents through email and calendar events.

     

    Power BI 

    SharePoint integration with Power BI allows for powerful business intelligence and data visualization. Users can embed Power BI reports and dashboards directly within SharePoint sites.

    Customization

    Every home is different and reflects the style of its residents. Statement pieces, plant life, antiques, marble countertops, accent walls, you name it. SharePoint can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization. Custom web parts, templates, and themes can be created to match the organization's branding and requirements.  A landing page is one of our personal favourites which beautifully allows users to navigate your internet and company information from the very first SharePoint page.

     

    SharePoint provides flexibility for tailoring sites to meet the unique needs of your organization.

     

    Site Themes 

    You can choose from a variety of site themes or create custom ones to match your organization's branding.

     

    Web Parts 

    SharePoint offers a range of web parts that can be added to site pages to display specific content or functionality. Examples include calendars, news feeds, and document libraries.

    Site Templates 

    You can create custom site templates that include preconfigured settings, layouts, and web parts for specific use cases.

     

    Power Apps and Power Automate 

    Advanced users can create custom apps and workflows using Power Apps and Power Automate to address unique business requirements.

    Business Intelligence

    Think of the smart features in a modern home. Just as these smart systems collect and analyze data on home temperature, security, and energy use to optimize comfort and efficiency, business intelligence tools collect and analyze data in a company to optimize operations, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions. SharePoint includes features for creating interactive dashboards and reports, making it a platform for business intelligence and data visualization.

      

    SharePoint provides tools for data analysis and reporting, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions.

      

    Power BI Integration  

    SharePoint can host Power BI reports and dashboards, allowing users to create interactive data visualizations and share them with colleagues.

      

    Excel Services  

    SharePoint integrates with Excel Services, enabling users to publish Excel spreadsheets and workbooks to SharePoint for easy access and data analysis.


    PerformancePoint Services  

    This feature allows for creating business intelligence dashboards, scorecards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure business performance.

    Mobile Accessibility

    With this one, we would be reaching if we tried to link the analogy. So, I guess that’s the only difference. You can’t take your home with you everywhere you go, but SharePoint is accessible on various devices and platforms, ensuring that users can access their content and collaborate from anywhere.  And don’t forget to check out our Info Mailers that push the most relevant content to the right people in each department at the right time. 


    SharePoint is designed to be accessible on mobile devices, making it convenient for users to collaborate on the go.

     

    Mobile Apps

    SharePoint offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing and interacting with SharePoint content on smartphones and tablets.

     

    Responsive Design 

    SharePoint sites are designed with responsive layouts, ensuring that they adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

     

    Offline Access 

    Some SharePoint content can be made available offline, allowing users to continue working on documents even when they're not connected to the internet.


    Security 

    SharePoint's mobile apps are equipped with security features, including data encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive information on mobile devices.


    So, there you have it – we've covered everything SharePoint in this blog….or have we? Because SharePoint has so many layers, not everything can be summed up in one blog. It is for this reason that we will have blogs that will follow, expanding more on the topic of SharePoint. Look out for blogs on:
    • How to use SharePoint
    • SharePoint intranets
    • SharePoint site examples
    • Knowledge base in SharePoint
    • Power Apps in SharePoint 

    Until those blogs are available, ask yourself this question: How can your organization leverage SharePoint to improve productivity?

    That's where GTconsult comes in. With over a decade of experience dedicated to learning, practicing, and perfecting all things SharePoint, GTconsult offers a wide range of services, including implementation, SharePoint migration, training, and support. GTconsult specializes in SharePoint! Rather than sticking to the basics or avoiding SharePoint altogether, let GTconsult empower your organization's productivity and reveal the powerful tool you have in your arsenal! 
    Let's do this!

    Sources: 


    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/get-started-with-sharepoint-909ec2f0-05c8-4e92-8ad3-3f8b0b6cf261#:~:text=When%20you%20sign%20in%20to,your%20entry%20points%20into%20SharePoint.

    - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-sharepoint-blog/sharepoint-20-years-young/ba-p/2238955

    - https://www.incworx.com/blog/benefits-of-sharepoint

    - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SharePoint#:~:text=SharePoint%20evolved%20from%20projects%20codenamed,simple%2C%20bottom%2Dup%20collaboration.

    - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-premium-blog/introducing-sharepoint-premium-the-future-of-ai-powered-content/ba-p/3981076

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    SharePoint Migration Checklist


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    Read Me
    ]]>    Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:20:47 +0000    <![CDATA[Sujata Excels in MS 900 Exam!]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sujata-excels-in-ms-900-examWith six years of experience in testing and quality control, Sujata has become highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field. Her tenure at GT for nea ]]>

    Sujata Excels in MS 900 Exam! 

    With six years of experience in testing and quality control, Sujata has become highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field. Her tenure at GT for nearly two years has demonstrated her immense value as an asset to the team. 

            

    Driven by her desire to enhance her skills, Sujata recently embarked on a journey to improve herself further by taking the MS 900 Microsoft Fundamentals exam. 

            

    The MS 900 exam is specifically designed for individuals seeking to demonstrate their foundational understanding of cloud-based solutions that enhance productivity and collaboration in various settings, including on-site, at home, or a combination of both. 

            

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/ms-900/        


    You might be wondering how Sujata fared in this exam. Well, it would be rather awkward if we were to write about an exam she didn't pass, wouldn't it? Fortunately, not only did she pass, but she did so with flying colors! 

            

    When asked about her motivation to pursue this certification, Sujata expressed her belief that it would enable her to better serve clients. 

            

    “If a client asks me anything about SharePoint, I can answer them smartly and confidently. Previously, I was a little bit confused when it came to the differences and the functionalities under SharePoint. Now, I know it better.”     

            

    She also emphasized how the certification has benefited her testing process, particularly in understanding requirements and finding improved ways to optimize SharePoint.    

            

    Sujata's commitment to achieving her goal was evident in her rigorous exam preparation. She attributed her success to the comprehensive 500-page book "Microsoft 365 Fundamentals" by Craig Zacker, noting that studying this resource helped her gain a deeper understanding and ultimately pass the exam. 

            

    “Because I’m a tester, I don’t work in the back end, so I don’t know the coding and other stuff. That’s why this book was really helpful.”     

            

    Sujata also expressed gratitude towards her colleagues for their contributions to her success, including recommending study materials, offering study strategies, and providing encouragement.    

            

    Upon learning of her results, Sujata described her elation, admitting to feeling a bit nervous before the exam, unsure of what to expect. 

            

    “When I finished, I closed my eyes, opened them a little and saw, OK, I passed. I was literally dancing. And then I realized, OK, the camera is still on, they are still recording.”     

            

    Sujata's unwavering dedication to her work and constant pursuit of self-improvement are truly commendable. It is no surprise that she already has her sights set on the next certification, which we will undoubtedly be eager to share here. 

            

    Sujata, your hard work, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. Keep shining brightly! We eagerly anticipate witnessing your future accomplishments.    

    ]]>    Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:06:48 +0000    <![CDATA[Sthe believes in excellence]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sthe-believes-in-excellenceA write up on Sthe's recent achievement- passing his Microsoft PL 400 exam! Ever heard of the Microsoft PL-400 exam? It’s an exam that focuses on the de ]]>

    A write up on Sthe's recent achievement- passing his Microsoft PL 400 exam!


    Ever heard of the Microsoft PL-400 exam?

    It’s an exam that focuses on the designing, development, testing, security, and troubleshooting of Microsoft Power Platform solutions. Candidates are expected to implement components of a solution that include application enhancements, custom user experiences, system integrations, data conversions, and custom process automation.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/pl-400

    While the exam requirements may seem daunting at first glance, it is less challenging for experienced developers who work with the content regularly.

    One such developer who recently passed the PL-400 exam is Sthe, a talented senior SharePoint creator who has been with GTconsult for over five years. Despite his lengthy tenure, Sthe has not become complacent in his work. On the contrary, he remains committed to getting things done well and becoming the go-to person in his field.

            



    “In the area that you're in, if you become the best, you become the go to person and that's how you become valuable.”

            

    Sthe's commitment to excellence and his determination to succeed drove him to prepare rigorously for the exam. Despite the pressure and limited time, he managed to pass the exam with flying colors.

            

    When asked about his feelings on his achievement, Sthe was quick to point out how his faith, His relationship with God, plays a critical role in all he does. He pointed out that even in moments of panic during the exam, he experienced little miracles. He is unapologetic about this conviction.

            

    “When I passed, I was over the moon and really grateful to Jesus for helping me.”

            

    Although the PL-400 exam qualified Sthe as an associate, his end goal is to become a specialist. He is already setting his sights on the next step towards his goal and GTconsult is committed to supporting him in his aspirations and helping him achieve his full potential.

            

    Sthe's success story is a testament to the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment in achieving one's goals. As he continues to reach new milestones, we are honoured to be a part of his journey and to celebrate his achievements with him.

            

    Keep soaring, Sthe!

    ]]>    Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:24:32 +0000    <![CDATA[Jacqui is determined to stay ahead!]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/jacqui-is-determined-to-stay-aheadJacqui just passed her MS600 Exam!]]>

    A write up on Jacqui Smit's latest achievement. 

    Jacqui is determined to stay ahead!


    Boasting 20 years of experience in SharePoint, Jacqui Smit is definitely a force to be reckoned with within this industry. She has worked at GT for 2 years, 1 of them as a developer and the other as a software development manager. In this role, she manages the day to day with our world-class development team, ensuring that our clients get nothing but excellence from GT.

    “Different people in the team have different types of skills, so it’s my job to know and guide them and ensure that they have the information they need to get the work done.” 

    Jacqui has grown and developed her skills while at GT, assimilating and internalizing GT’s mission and values, ensuring that she is able to enable productivity. She takes great pride in delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds the expectations of her clients and colleagues.

    With that in mind, she has often taken it in her stride to stretch herself for her own good as well as the good of our company and clients.

    When the opportunity arose for her to advance her skillset, it was a no brainer, Jacqui took it. The opportunity being referred to is the MS 600 exam. 

    The exam measures the ability to complete technical tasks such as:

    -Design collaborative app solutions and existing app integration, 

    -Implement Microsoft identity, 

    -Build apps with Microsoft Graph 

    -Extend and customize Microsoft 365 with SharePoint Framework

    -Extend Microsoft Teams

    -Test, deploy, monitor, and maintain modern enterprise-grade app solutions.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/ms-600

    When asked about why she decided to take the exam, Jacqui showed great understanding of her industry, in that it is rapidly evolving, and so, to remain relevant or useful in the field you need to constantly adapt and grow.

    “In order to stay relevant in development, you have to constantly learn. The technologies are constantly changing, they are upgrading all the time.”

    She further noted that what she learns allows her to lead her team better by imparting what she has learned and helping them to elevate their capabilities. Essentially, she believes that this achievement will not only serve her, but her colleagues and clients alike.

    So, with that in mind, she buckled down to prepare for the exam, sacrificing time with her family and other areas of her life that required her attention in order to ensure she was successful, and all that sacrifice paid off. Sure enough, after her hard work and dedication to achieving her goal, despite the obstacles she had faced, she passed!
    On the 22nd of March, Jacqui wrote and passed the MS 600 exam, stretching herself more for her role and career.

    “I was super excited. I was stressing because Microsoft exams are tough. They’re not to be played around, they’re not to be trifled with at all.”

    This is an amazing achievement that has to be acknowledged, one that highlights to the team and clients, the caliber of person they are dealing with. With this qualification (Teams Application Developer associate), Jacqui will be better equipped to lead her team and serve her clients with relevant expertise and extensive industry experience. 

    If that’s not enough to convince you that GT has the crème de la crème when it comes to staff, honestly, we don’t know what will. 

    Jacqui, is only one of the many highly talented and hardworking people who form part of the GT team. Our staff seek to achieve excellence in their work, upholding the company’s mission: To empower people and business to become sustainable and capable in an ever changing digital world, continuously challenging the status quo.

    We are immensely proud of what Jacqui has achieved, and can’t wait to see what’s next! 

    Onwards and upwards, Jax!






    ]]>    Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:33:53 +0000    <![CDATA[Configuring SharePoint SSL App setup]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/configuring-sharepoint-ssl-app-setup

    This is a guide the Umlindi team created to assist with the configuration of SSL for SharePoint App Store

    Create a forward lookup zone for the app domain name

    1. Verify that the user account that performs this procedure is a domain.administrator on the domain controller.
    2. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click DNS.
    3. In DNS Manager, right-click Forward Lookup Zones, and then click New Zone….
    4. In the New Zone Wizard, click Next.
    5. In the Zone Type page, accept the default of Primary zone, and then click Next.
    6. In the Active Directory Zone Replication Scope page, select the appropriate replication method for your environment (the default is To all DNS servers in this domain), and then click Next.
    7. In the **Zone Name** page, in the **Zone name** box type the name for your new app domain name (for example, ContosoApps.com), and then click **Next**.

    The New Zone Wizard shows the new domain name for apps.



    8. On the Dynamic Update page, select the appropriate type of dynamic updates for your environment (the default is Do not allow dynamic updates), and then click Next.

    9. On the Completing the New Zone Wizard page, review the settings, and then click Finish.

    For more information about how to create a forward lookup zone, see Add a Forward Lookup Zone.

    You have now created a forward lookup zone (and a domain name) to use for apps in your environment.

    To create a wildcard Alias (CNAME) record for the new domain name

    1. Verify that the user account that performs this procedure is a domain administrator on the domain controller.
    2. In DNS Manager, under Forward Lookup Zones, right-click the new app domain name, and then click New Alias (CNAME).
    3. In the New Resource Record dialog box, in the **Alias name (uses parent domain if left blank)** box, type *****.

    The Fully qualified domain name (FQDN) box displays *. followed by the domain name that you created for apps. For example, *.ContosoApps.com or *.Contoso-Apps.com.

    4.

    Next to the Fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for target host box, type the FQDN of the server that hosts the SharePoint sites.

    For example, SharePoint.Contoso.com.

    Or:

    1. Next to the **Fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for target host** box, click **Browse** and navigate to the Forward Lookup Zone for the domain that hosts the SharePoint sites.

    For example, Contoso.com.

    2.

    And then navigate to the record that points to the server that hosts the SharePoint site.

    For example, SharePoint.

    New Resource Record dialog box shows the wildcard alias for the app domain and the FQDN of the server that hosts the SharePoint sites.



    5. Click OK.

    Configure the Subscription Settings and App Management service applications

    Apps rely on the App Management and Microsoft SharePoint Foundation Subscription Settings service applications. These service applications use the multi-tenancy features to provide app permissions and create the subdomains for apps. Therefore, even if you are not hosting multiple tenants, you must still establish a name for the default tenant for your environment (any SharePoint site that is not associated with a tenant will be in the default tenant).

    To configure these services, you first start the services in Central Administration. After the services are started, you use Windows PowerShell to create the Subscription Settings service application, and then use either Windows PowerShell or Central Administration to create the App Management service application.

    To start the Subscription Settings and App Management services in Central Administration

    1. Verify that you are a member of the farm administrators group in Central Administration.
    2. In SharePoint 2013 Central Administration, click System Settings.
    3. On the System Settings page, under Servers, click Manage services on server.
    4. On the Services on Server page, next to App Management Service, click Start.
    5. On the Services on Server page, next to Microsoft SharePoint Foundation Subscription Settings Service, click Start.
    6. Verify that the App Management and Microsoft SharePoint Foundation Subscription Settings services are running. The following illustration shows the **Services on Server** page where you can verify that the App Management and Subscription Settings services are running.

    Services on Server showing the App Management and Subscription Settings services running.


    To configure the Subscription Settings service application by using Windows PowerShell

    • Verify that you have the following memberships:

    - securityadmin fixed server role on the SQL Server instance.

    • db_owner fixed database role on all databases that are to be updated.
    • Administrators group on the server on which you are running the Windows PowerShell cmdlets.

    An administrator can use the Add-SPShellAdmin cmdlet to grant permissions to use SharePoint 15 Products cmdlets.

    • On the Start menu, click All Programs.
    • Click Microsoft SharePoint 2013 Products.
    • Click SharePoint 2013 Management Shell.
    • First you must establish the application pool, run as account, and database settings for the services. Use a managed account for the SPManagedAccount (which will be used for the application pool runas account).

    At the Windows PowerShell command prompt, type the following commands, and press ENTER after each one to create the application pool:

    **$account = Get-SPManagedAccount “ ”
    **

    # Gets the name of the managed account and sets it to the variable $account for later use.

    Where:

    •  is the name of the managed account in the SharePoint farm.

    **$appPoolSubSvc = New-SPServiceApplicationPool -Name SettingsServiceAppPool -Account $account
    **

    # Creates an application pool for the Subscription Settings service application.

    # Uses a managed account as the security account for the application pool.

    # Stores the application pool as a variable for later use.

    • At the Windows PowerShell command prompt, type the following commands, and press ENTER after each one to create the new service application and proxy:

    **$appSubSvc = New-SPSubscriptionSettingsServiceApplication -ApplicationPool $appPoolSubSvc -Name SettingsServiceApp -DatabaseName
    **

    # Creates the Subscription Settings service application, using the variable to associate it with the application pool that was created earlier.

    # Stores the new service application as a variable for later use.

    Where:

    •  is the name of the Subscription Settings service database.

    **$proxySubSvc = New-SPSubscriptionSettingsServiceApplicationProxy -ServiceApplication $appSubSvc
    **

    # Creates a proxy for the Subscription Settings service application.

    You can use either Windows PowerShell or Central Administration to create and configure the App Management service application. The following procedures provide the steps for each method.

    To configure the App Management service application by using Windows PowerShell

    • Verify that you have the following memberships:

    - securityadmin fixed server role on the SQL Server instance.

    • db_owner fixed database role on all databases that are to be updated.
    • Administrators group on the server on which you are running the Windows PowerShell cmdlets.

    An administrator can use the Add-SPShellAdmin cmdlet to grant permissions to use SharePoint 15 Products cmdlets.

    • On the Start menu, click All Programs.
    • Click Microsoft SharePoint 2013 Products.
    • Click SharePoint 2013 Management Shell.
    • First you must establish the application pool, run as account, and database settings for the services. Use a managed account for the SPManagedAccount (which will be used for the application pool runas account).

    At the Windows PowerShell command prompt, type the following commands, and press ENTER after each one to create the application pool:

    **$account = Get-SPManagedAccount “ ”
    **

    # Gets the name of the managed account and sets it to the variable $account for later use.

    Where:

    • * * is the name of the managed account in the SharePoint farm.

    **$appPoolAppSvc = New-SPServiceApplicationPool -Name AppServiceAppPool -Account $account
    **

    # Creates an application pool for the Application Management service application.

    # Uses a managed account as the security account for the application pool.

    # Stores the application pool as a variable for later use.

    • At the Windows PowerShell command prompt, type the following commands, and press **ENTER** after each one to create the new service application and proxy:

    **$appAppSvc = New-SPAppManagementServiceApplication -ApplicationPool $appPoolAppSvc -Name AppServiceApp -DatabaseName
    **

    # Creates the Application Management service application, using the variable to associate it with the application pool that was created earlier.

    # Stores the new service application as a variable for later use.

    Where:

    • * * is the name of the App Management service database.

    **$proxyAppSvc = New-SPAppManagementServiceApplicationProxy -ServiceApplication $appAppSvc
    **

    # Creates a proxy for the Application Management service application.

    To create the App Management service application in Central Administration

    • In SharePoint 2013 Central Administration, on the Application Management page, click Manage service applications.
    • On the ribbon, click New, and then click App Management Service.
    • In the New App Management Service Application page, in the Service Application Name box, type the name for the service application.
    • In the Database section, in the Database Server box, type the instance of SQL Server where you want to store the database, or use the default server.
    • In the **Database Name** box, type a database name, or use the default name.

    The database name must be unique.

    • Under Database authentication, select the authentication that you want to use by doing one of the following:

    - If you want to use Windows authentication, leave this option selected. We recommend this option because Windows authentication automatically encrypts the password when it connects to SQL Server.

    • If you want to use SQL authentication, click SQL authentication. In the Account box, type the name of the account that you want the service application to use to authenticate to the SQL Server database, and then type the password in the Password box.
    • In the Failover Database Server section, if you want to use a failover database server, specify the server name.
    • In the Application Pool section, do one of the following:

    - Click Use existing application pool, and then select the application pool that you want to use from the drop-down list.

    • Click **Create a new application pool**, type the name of the new application pool, and then under **Select a security account for this application pool** do one of the following:

    - Click Predefined to use a predefined security account, and then select the security account from the drop-down list.

    • Click Configurable to specify a new security account to be used for an existing application pool. You can create a new account by clicking the Register new managed account link.
    • In the Create App Management Service Application Proxy section, leave the Create App Management Service Application Proxy and add it to the default proxy group check box selected.
    • Click **OK**.

    The following illustration shows the App Management service application and proxy that were created.

    Manage Service Applications page showing the App Management service application and proxy.


    Now you must start the service on the server.

    • In SharePoint 2013 Central Administration, click System Settings.
    • On the System Settings page, under Servers, click Manage services on server.
    • On the Services on Server page, next to App Management Service, click Start.

     

    Configure the app URLs to use

     

    In this section, you create the app domain prefix and the tenant name to use for apps in your environment. The app URL points to your app domain and a prefix that determines how each app is named. If you host multiple tenants in your environment, you must use Windows PowerShell to configure the app URLs.

    Use the following procedure to configure app URLs for non-hosting (single tenant) environments by using Central Administration.

    To configure app URLs

    1. In Central Administration, click Apps.
    2. On the Apps page, click Configure App URLs.
    3. In the **App domain** box, type the isolated domain that you created for hosting apps.

    For example, ContosoApps.com or Contoso-Apps.com.

    4.

    In the App prefix box, type a name to use for the URL prefix for apps.

    For example, you could use “apps” as the prefix so that you would see a URL for each app such as “apps-12345678ABCDEF.ContosoApps.com”. The following illustration shows the Configure App URLs page after you have filled in the App domain and prefix.

    The Configure App URLs page in Central Administration shows the App domain and App prefix.



    5. Click OK.

    6. If you will install apps and you have changed the App prefix (also known as the site subscription name), you must perform additional steps that involve restarting the World Wide Web Publishing Service (WWW Service) that hosts the apps.

    Configuring SSL

    Remember when we created the wildcard CNAME record for our app domain to use? This technically means that anyrandomurl.onfpwebapps.net will be pointing to the same IP address as my SharePoint site. So let’s talk about IIS bindings and how they relate to this situation:


    Every IIS site must have a unique binding. That means that some combination of the IP address, port and host name has to be unique on the server. This is to prevent any conflicts of multiple sites trying to serve the same requests.

    Before IIS 8, in order to have multiple SSL’s, the most common thing to do was to use a ***different ***IP address for each SSL site. This is due to the fact that you couldn’t specify host names in the bindings for an SSL site. This leads back to the situation I’m in with my app domain configuration. My app domain is pointing to my site’s FQDN in DNS which means that it’s using the same IP address. So how will we work that out?

    **Step 1: Acquire a wildcard SSL for your app domain. **

    (In this scenario, it is assumed you’re already using SSL for your SharePoint site itself.)

    Since I’m doing this in a lab environment, I am just using a self-signed certificate. In a production environment, you will definitely want to purchase the wildcard certificate from a 3rd party certificate authority.


    Step 2: Create a placeholder web application for your app domain

    This step isn’t technically necessary since you can add the additional app domain binding to one of your other SharePoint sites in IIS, but I like to do it to separate my SSL bindings to different sites in IIS. This web application will have no site collections since it’s not actually hosting any app content (remember that SharePoint apps can be hosted off the SharePoint server itself). It’s basically just going to serve as a placeholder:


    Step 3: Update IIS bindings to use the SSL’s

    This is where the magic is going to happen. The reason we can use multiple SSL certificates with the same IP address in IIS 8 is because of the new Server Name Indication option (SNI for short). This allows us to specify host names for SSL secured sites. Here are the bindings for my two SharePoint web applications:

    My app domain’s placeholder web application has one HTTPS binding that is using the wildcard certificate and no Server Name Indication (since SNI requires that you specify one host name and each app would be using a different host name).


    My SharePoint site’s web application’s bindings also have one HTTPS binding that uses the site’s specific SSL certificate. This binding is using the SNI option to specify the host name:


    Testing the apps now produce the correct results when opening:

    **References:

    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/fp161236.aspx

    By John Torrance

    ]]>    Thu, 01 Dec 2016 21:27:30 +0000