Create the Virtual Tables in Dataverse With the Virtual connector Provider – Part-#2

Introduction

Virtual tables enable integrating data from external data sources by seamlessly representing that data as tables in Microsoft Dataverse, without data replication. Solutions built on Microsoft Power Platform can leverage virtual tables as if they were native Dataverse tables. 

A virtual table is a custom table in Microsoft Dataverse that has columns containing data from an external data source. Virtual tables appear in your app to users as regular table rows, but contain data that is sourced from an external database, such as an Azure SQL Database, SharePoint, etc. Rows based on virtual tables are available in all clients including custom clients developed using the Dataverse web services.

In the previous blog, we learn about the installation of a Virtual Connector Provider to the Dataverse Environment in Power Platform.

https://srinathpega.com/2022/12/28/create-the-virtual-tables-in-dataverse-with-the-virtal-connector-provider-part-1/

This blog will learn about the SharePoint Connection and Connection Reference for Virtual Connector Providers.

• Data Source – the location where the external data is stored.
• Data Provider – defines the behavior of the virtual table.
• Connection – this sets up the ability to connect to the data source/ Authentication.
• Connection Reference – this provides a way for Dataverse to use the connection to the data source.

Creating SharePoint Connection

1. Go to Microsoft Power Apps Maker Portal.
2. Select the Environment from the top right.
3. Select the Dataverse from the left pane and Click on Connections.

4. Create the Connection for SharePoint.

5. For on-premises, select your authentication type, provide your credentials, choose a gateway, and then select Create.

Create Connection Reference For SharePoint

1. Go to Microsoft Power Apps Maker Portal.
2. Select the Environment from the top right.
3. Click on the Solutions in the left pane.
4. Click on New Solution.

5. Give the New Solution values and Click on Create.

6. Click on New to add the Connection reference.

7. Connection Reference for SharePoint and Click Create.

8. Connection reference is created and added to the solution fro SharePoint.