The Microsoft Power Platform has emerged as a transformative tool for businesses in China, enabling organizations to harness data, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. As digital transformation accelerates, understanding this platform becomes crucial for companies aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In this guide, readers will explore the core components of the Power Platform, including Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents. Each section will provide insights into their functionalities and practical applications tailored to the unique business landscape in China.

Additionally, the guide will delve into real-world case studies, showcasing how local enterprises have successfully implemented the Power Platform to drive innovation and efficiency. Readers will gain valuable knowledge on best practices, potential challenges, and strategies for maximizing the platform’s capabilities in their own organizations.

Power Platform and Dynamics 365 Apps Operated by 21Vianet in China

Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps services operated by 21Vianet are designed to comply with regulatory requirements in China. The services are a physically separated environment of cloud services that’s currently operated and transacted by a local operator, Shanghai Blue Cloud Technology Co., Ltd (“21Vianet”). This is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing 21Vianet Broadband Data Center Co., Ltd., located in China.

Overview of Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365

The Microsoft Power Platform encompasses a suite of applications designed to empower users to analyze data, build solutions, and automate processes. It includes Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Pages. Dynamics 365, on the other hand, includes applications like Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, and more. Together, they provide a comprehensive solution for businesses operating in China.

Technical Features Comparison

Feature	Power Platform Operated by 21Vianet	Dynamics 365 Operated by 21Vianet
Data Residency	Data stored within China	Data stored within China
Compliance	Complies with Chinese regulations	Complies with Chinese regulations
Local Support	Provided by 21Vianet	Provided by 21Vianet
Integration with Microsoft 365	Yes	Yes
Custom App Development	Yes, low-code environment	Yes, with Dynamics 365 capabilities
Analytics and Reporting	Power BI integration	Built-in analytics features
Automation	Power Automate for workflows	Automation features in Dynamics 365

Types of Services Offered

Service Type	Description
Power Apps	Enables users to build custom applications without extensive coding.
Power Automate	Automates workflows between applications and services.
Power BI	Provides business intelligence and analytics capabilities.
Dynamics 365 Sales	Manages customer relationships and sales processes.
Dynamics 365 Customer Service	Enhances customer support and service management.
Dynamics 365 Field Service	Manages field operations and service delivery.

Provisioning Options

Customers in China have two options for accessing Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps:

Services operated by 21Vianet in China: This option provides a consistent experience that meets local regulatory requirements. It is ideal for customers who prefer local data residency and support.
Services operated by Microsoft: This option is for customers who want services managed and delivered directly by Microsoft. It allows for co-existence with other Microsoft services.

Feature Availability and Compliance

The deployment of Microsoft Business Applications in China is based on principles of security, privacy, compliance, and reliability. Microsoft strives to maintain functional parity across localized datacenter deployments, although some exceptions may arise due to market priorities or compliance regulations.

Key Compliance Features

Data Security: The services utilize Azure’s robust security technologies, ensuring data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Privacy Control: Customers maintain ownership and control over their data, with strict processes for data removal upon subscription termination.
Transparency: Clear policies inform customers about data storage locations and access controls.

Transition to China 3 Datacenters

Effective April 2023, Microsoft began transitioning existing Power Platform Dataverse environments to the new Azure “China 3” Region. This transition aims to enhance capacity and introduce new capabilities. Notifications regarding the transition will be communicated through the Microsoft 365 Message Center.

Customer Support and Resources

Support for Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps is provided through 21Vianet. Customers can access self-service resources, presales support, and technical assistance. The support hotline is available during local business hours, ensuring timely assistance for billing, subscription management, and technical issues.

Additional Resources

Power Platform Documentation: Comprehensive guides and resources are available on learn.microsoft.com.
Support Sites: Dedicated support sites for 21Vianet services can be found at en.21vbluecloud.com.
Trust Center: For information on security and compliance, visit www.trustcenter.cn.

Conclusion

Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps operated by 21Vianet provide a robust solution for businesses in China, ensuring compliance with local regulations while offering powerful tools for data analysis, application development, and process automation. With local support and a commitment to data security, organizations can confidently leverage these services to enhance their operations.

FAQs

1. What is the primary benefit of using Power Platform operated by 21Vianet?
The primary benefit is compliance with Chinese regulations while providing a consistent experience similar to global offerings.

2. How does data residency work for these services?
All customer data is stored within China, ensuring compliance with local data residency laws.

3. Can I integrate Power Platform with other Microsoft services?
Yes, Power Platform can seamlessly integrate with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 services.

4. What support options are available for customers?
Customers can access self-service resources, presales support, and technical assistance through 21Vianet.

5. How will the transition to China 3 datacenters affect my services?
The transition aims to enhance service capacity and capabilities, with minimal disruption expected during the process.