The moment the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform 2020 wave 1 release plans came out on the 27th my social feed was flooded by announcements and links to the notes.
Among the many GA announcements, I thought I would highlight the top 10 new features coming in this wave… a difficult task to only choose 10…
1. FINALLY! Customisable Case Resolution Forms
Since CRM 4.0 this has been a feature in high demand. Building your own custom case resolution form.
Feature Details
• Add fields such as resolution type in the form/dialog box for case resolution.
• Introduce new client-side business validations or remove existing ones.
• Customize the case resolution entity.
• Choose between the non-customisable modal dialog experience (default setting) and the customisable form experience.
Thoughts
I wonder how this will work with Power Automate for streamlined case resolution.
Timeline
Early Access February 2020
GA April 2020
2. Licence Enforcement
Thoughts
Was about time they moved away from the honesty system. Usage telemetry can help identify patterns and trends to better server customers.
Timeline
Early Access February 2020 (to regression test before it’s turned on)
GA April 2020
Further Details
Check out Jukka’s excellent post on the subject https://jukkaniiranen.com/2020/01/get-ready-for-licensing-enforcement-in-dynamics-365/
3. Create and update dialogues
Thoughts
It’s like a quick create but with the full experience and for updates. This
is a common ask and will significantly improve productivity.
Timeline
Public Preview February 2020
GA April 2020
4. Yeah! Rich text notes and keyword search in the timeline
Feature Details
- Create rich text notes that provide detail about the case and enable formatting for emphasis and readability.
- Perform keyword search filter to quickly display matching records.
- Identify closed or completed activities visually.
- Show only User or System records with the additional filter.
Thoughts
In recent times many contributors created rich text PCF controls. This came form a business need to format content in forms. This feature is very welcome. Keyword search on the other hand had some treatments in the enhanced quick find in the past.
5. Canvas and model-driven apps running on a single mobile application
Thoughts
Yet another step to narrowing the gap between Dynamics 365 / Model Driven and Canvas apps.
At the end of the days it’s a different entry point and interface to the same data…
Timeline
Early Access March 2020
GA April 2020
6. Modern Solution Explorer Enhancements
A great addition to system customizers that spend most of their time in the solution explorer. Love the idea of most recent used this will come in veeeery handy.
Feature
- Secondary navigation for easier transitions between solution components.
- Recent items are just one click away.
Thoughts
Looks familiar?
Timeline
GA Jun 2020 (I wish it was sooner)
7. Power Portals Web APIs CRUD on CDS entities
Thoughts
Will significantly simplify portal development, however, I wonder how will it work with complex scenarios?
Timeline
GA June 2020
8. Environment lifecycle supports Power Apps, Power Automate, Common Data Service…
Thoughts
ALM is seeing a great deal of investment from Microsoft especially in the Power Platforms space. This is essential to cement the idea that the Power Platform is an enterprise grade platform that follows best practices.
Timeline
GA June 2020
9. Enabling printable pages in canvas apps
Thoughts
Canvas apps are commonly used while on the move and interacting with colleagues or customers at a personalised level. The printing capability will provide a solution for a take away (digital PDF or printed) that can be handed over as an engagement summary.
Timeline
Public Preview June 2020
10. Two in One: AI-assisted suggestions (IoT alert and bot topics)
Thoughts
AI is a key differentiator that Microsoft offers part of their ecosystem. It is no surprise to see a few AI enhancements that will assist administrator build better solutions.
Timeline
Public Preview April 2020 (IoT)
GA July 2020 (Bot topics)
Honourable Mentions
There were a few others that did not make it in the top 10 that can go in the honourable mention category
Large files storage up to 128MB.
Great improvement from the 32MB.
Save + Save & Close buttons
Available all the time even when auto save is on. Comfort food…