SharePoint or Dataverse? They solve different problems
Many Power Platform projects choose the data source based on what is fastest to start with. Permissions, relationships and future scale often matter more later.
01
SharePoint: simple when the problem is simple
For lists and document-centred workflows, SharePoint can be a sensible and cost-conscious foundation when the data model is not too complex.
- documents and metadata
- simple registers
- moderate relational needs
- fast adoption
02
Dataverse: a business application data platform
For richer relationships, stronger security, model-driven apps and longer-lived Power Platform products, Dataverse is usually the stronger foundation.
- complex relationships
- role-based security
- business rules and audit
- model-driven apps
03
Design for more than today's scope
A five-table internal app can become business-critical. Estimate future volume, integrations and licensing before the first screens lock in the architecture.
- three-year horizon
- data volume
- integrations
- licensing strategy