Posted By
Sunil Jagani
on
18. March 2014 04:09
The new version of Microsoft SharePoint will allow independent third-party developers to supply apps to the collaboration platform in order to enhance its functionality. This will be achieved by either using a separate server or through client-side execution. The apps will be available through an app store, just like app stores for mobile phones, but oriented for SharePoint developers.
Introducing Apps
There are many reasons for introducing apps to SharePoint, the first and foremost being smoother functioning of the program. The second reason is to provide better customization of the collaboration suite. The ‘zero-code’ customizations, available with previous versions, would provide limited customization options and users had to resort to using custom-coded solutions, which was risky to the health of the collaboration program. With the introduction of the apps, the custom-code execution has been replaced by execution on the client’s side or on an external server altogether.
SharePoint App Development Models
There are three SharePoint app development models. The first is the SharePoint-hosted app, which is made of static files and is located within SharePoint. There is no server-side code allowed in this model. The second is the self-hosted app, where the files for the application are located on an external server. The third is the automatically provisioned Azure app, which is an app the deploys Azure, which in turn enables SharePoint online users to summon externally located server-side codes into the online account without having to bear the cost associated with hosting it yourself.
Office Marketplace
The Office Marketplace, where you can buy your SharePoint apps, is similar to app-stores for smart phones and other hand-held devices. While this is profitable to Microsoft as they will be earning money from every app downloaded, it is also a superb opportunity for developers to get exposure for their apps and earn good money. The most important reason for the marketplace is, however, usability. As Microsoft cannot makes an app for every single different/unique need or requirement of different companies, Marketplace will be an opportunity for the developers to capitalize on that need and in turn, help the SharePoint users enhance their collaboration experience.
Rate This Post:
0f38153a-6cc5-4df3-8a67-06ef068d719e|4|4.3
