Scaling Beyond Microsoft Power Platform: Insights from Industry Leaders

This article delves into the experiences of two industry leaders, Tide and Verdane, as they navigated these challenges and explored alternative solutions. To get a demonstration of their applications, you can access the webinar through the link above.

Tide's Journey with Power Apps

Tide, a major player in Norway's mobility sector, initially leveraged Microsoft Power Apps to digitize processes for their bus drivers. The platform allowed drivers to report issues and damages digitally, replacing the cumbersome paper-based system. However, as Tide aimed to expand the solution from 100 to 6000 users, the cost and technical limitations of Power Apps became apparent. The need for a more scalable and flexible platform led Tide to explore alternatives, eventually adopting a new platform that offered greater integration capabilities and cost-effectiveness. They also experienced limitations on UI and design, which affected user adoption. 

Verdane's Strategic Shift

Verdane, a growth investment company, faced similar challenges with Power Apps. Initially used to support their investment process, the platform's performance and data security limitations prompted Verdane to seek alternatives. The introduction of new EU regulations further emphasized the need for a compliant and robust solution. Verdane's evaluation process highlighted the importance of a platform that could seamlessly integrate with existing systems and support complex applications at scale.

Key Considerations for Scaling

1. Cost and Licensing: Both Tide and Verdane encountered challenges with the licensing models of Power Apps, which became cost-prohibitive at scale. Evaluating the financial implications of scaling is crucial when selecting a platform.
   
   
2. Technical Flexibility: The ability to integrate with external systems and customize applications to meet specific business needs is essential. Platforms that offer robust integration capabilities and data management features are better suited for complex applications.
   
   
3. Compliance and Security: With increasing regulatory requirements, ensuring data security and compliance is paramount. Platforms that provide comprehensive security features and support compliance processes can mitigate risks associated with sensitive data handling.
   
   
4. User Experience and Adoption: Transitioning to a new platform requires careful management of user expectations and training. Ensuring that the platform is user-friendly and meets the needs of both end-users and administrators is critical for successful adoption.
   
   

Conclusion

As businesses continue to evolve, the need for scalable, flexible, and secure digital solutions becomes increasingly important. While Microsoft Power Platform offers valuable tools for certain use cases, organizations like Tide and Verdane demonstrate the benefits of exploring alternative platforms that better align with their strategic goals and operational requirements. By focusing on cost, technical capabilities, compliance, and user experience, companies can effectively scale their digital solutions to meet the demands of a dynamic business environment.

For more insights and case studies on scaling complex solutions, book a demo to explore how our platform can support your organization's growth.

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