Multiple Dynamics functional apps

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Posted on by braddev

Im new to Dynamics so please be nice!

Our company is adopting a Microsoft first methodlogy, hence we are looking to migrate all our systems to use Dynamics where possible.

We are developing a number of solutions for different uses. I am in the process of upskilling my knowledge in this area so im wondering if we need to spin up multiple Dynamics Environments that each have a distinct CDS or we can achieve multiple solutions within one instance.

For example we are currently working on a Sales type of application. However we are looking at replacing our help desk with CRM (and additional services). Do we need two instances and CDS for these or can have multiple apps with different info? Bear in mind that the helpdesk and sales would be looking at distincly different people (in the CRM)

Any guidence would be useful. I'm only at the first stage of a longer journey and want to promote and use Dynamics where we can in the company....

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Kokulan 18,054 on at

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RE: Multiple Dynamics functional apps

Hi

The Model-Driven App is just a container to group components and to have a seperate sitemap. You can certainly create many model-driven applications, add any component from Customer Service module or any module for that matter. The same is true for your custom solutions. You might have CRM solution with loads of components created or customised but you could create many apps having components from the same solution.

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braddev 62 on at

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RE: Multiple Dynamics functional apps

Thanks all for your answers, really helpful. I'm very impressed by the level of security role granularity and can see how we can leverage this aspect for our applications.

What about if we require two apps based on the first party app customer service? If we were to build on top and customise the entities is this possible using one CDS? I expect in reality we might end up with tailoring third party apps and adding it to the CDS instead but at this stage we need a bit more R&D to work out the dynamics development strategy...

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Kalpavruksh D365 CoE 2,545 on at

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RE: Multiple Dynamics functional apps

Hi,

You can use the same instance for configuring both Sales and helpdesk.

As you are new to Dynamics environment, we would suggest going through the topics like Business Units, Users, Teams and the Security model of Dynamics 365 so that you will be able to understand out-of-the-box features and idea to implement it for your organization structure.

Please refer to the below link for Security roles details:

community.dynamics.com/.../microsoft-dynamics-365-security-model

If found useful, please mark this answer as verified.

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Kokulan 18,054 on at

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RE: Multiple Dynamics functional apps

Hi

On top of what Guido already suggested, please see the following

I would recommend you stick with a single CDS environment and multiple Apps for the following key reasons. This list is not exhaustive.

01. There will definitely load of common entities and data between the different functional areas as it still one business. If you create multiple instances, keeping the common data sync between instances is not very straightforward and will add to ongoing maintenance and possible errors and conflicts

02. When you extend CRM, creating a plugin or custom reports, you may not be able to re-use components and even if you isolate re-usable components, you will have to make sure all the instances have the correct version

03. You will definitely be saving a lot of money if you stick to a single instance as you do not have to pay for additional instances or storage

04. With the new Model Driven App model, you can isolate any functionality and control app access via security roles.

05. If you want to isolate data between departments, you can think about creating Business units in the same instance. Security and control will be more challenging when you have multiple instances.

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Guido Preite 54,084 Moderator on at

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RE: Multiple Dynamics functional apps

you can use the same instance, in Dynamics permissions have a granularity so you can make sure who can access the data or not.

Keep in mind that a default Dynamics 365 CE has already several first party apps inside (Sales, Customer Service, ...) up to you to decide to start with these modules or creating something from scratch with a PowerApps P2 license. (practically Dynamics 365 without first party apps)

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