Common Data Model Preview Released for Microsoft Flow

Microsoft has released a database system for storing and managing business entities called Common Data Model.  The latest feature for the Flow preview, CDM integrates into Microsoft Flow.  Flow creates automated workflows between apps and services while getting notifications, synchronizing files and collecting data.

Stephen Siciliano, with Microsoft’s Flow team, says they’ll add more features as they march towards a formal release.

“With the Common Data Model, enterprises can improve operational efficiency with a unified view of business data.”  Said Siciliano.  “For example, the Common Data Model is also integrated directly into Microsoft PowerApps, and PowerApps makes it easy to build views and applications on top of the data that you put in with Microsoft Flow.”

Because users want to collect data about their company from social media, CDM can pull it together from a variety of sources, including Twitter and even RSS feeds.

Common Data Model can import data from:

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Salesforce.com
• Microsoft Excel files stored in any cloud file provider
• A Microsoft SQL database, both in the cloud and on-premises
• A custom API that you define to connect to your own systems

This is just the latest rollout of new features for users of the Microsoft Flow preview.  Late last month, the company announced new SharePoint lists with the integration of PowerApps and Microsoft Flow.