What’s new in Common Data Service for Apps in Dynamics 365 Spring 18 Release - Microsoft Dynamics 365 Update 9.0.2

The Common Data Service for Apps is how PowerApps, Office, and the Dynamics suite of products integrate with a single system of record for business data. The Common Data Service for Apps is the native system of record for:

• Dynamics 365 for Sales.
• Dynamics 365 for Service.
• Dynamics 365 for Field Service.
• Dynamics 365 for Project Service Automation.
• Dynamics 365 for Marketing.
• The Dynamics 365 for Talent family of applications.
• Standalone IT business apps.

Main features and enhancements in Common Data Service for Apps for Dynamics 365 Spring 18 Release:

• Support for additional data types. Additional data types support more complex entity definitions and provide richer experiences. (Applies to canvas and model-driven apps)
• Improved entity creation and customization. Create and customize entities in the Common Data Service for Apps right from PowerApps.com. The refreshed experience includes improved performance, a more user-friendly UI, and helpful features such as in-line option set creation. (Applies to canvas and model-driven apps)
• Server-side logic for validation. Create server-side business rules for validating data entered into the Common Data Service for Apps. (Applies to canvas and model-driven apps)
• Calculated and rollup fields. Create calculated and rollup fields in Common Data Service for Apps entities directly from PowerApps.com. (Applies to canvas and model-driven apps)
• Improved Excel add-in for the Common Data Service for Apps. The Common Data Service for Apps Excel add-in now supports the upgraded Common Data Service for Apps features.
• Software Development Kit (SDK). Developers can use the Common Data Service for Apps Software Development Kit (SDK) to create code-based customizations for the Common Data Service for Apps.
• Application Lifecycle Management (ALM). Solutions in the Common Data Service for Apps allow customizations to be organized, exported, and imported between environments to support Application Lifecycle Management scenarios within organizations, and between ISVs and their customers. (Applies to model-driven apps)
• Common Data Service OData Web API. Advanced users can access data stored in the Common Data Service for Apps through a new OData Web API.
• Import data into Common Data Service for Apps with Power Query. Use Power Query on the web to directly import data into the Common Data Service for Apps from multiple sources.