What Dataverse does
Dataverse provides a central repository for structured data, enabling organisations to build and deploy custom business applications. It supports relational data modelling, defining tables, columns, and relationships between them. The platform’s security model allows for fine-grained control over data access, using security roles, business units, and field-level security. A limited version, Dataverse for Teams, is available free with Microsoft 365, but offers restricted capabilities compared to the full Dataverse offering.
Dataverse in Australian tenants today
For AU mid-market organisations, Dataverse offers advantages over SharePoint Lists or Azure SQL for applications requiring complex data relationships and robust security. However, consider the cost implications; database size directly impacts entitlements and ongoing expenses. Organisations should carefully model data and optimise storage to avoid unexpected costs. Compliance with OAIC guidelines under the Privacy Act 2024, and APRA CPS 234, necessitates robust data governance and access controls, which Dataverse facilitates. The Notifiable Data Breach scheme also requires careful consideration of data security measures.