Forum Discussion
Mark_lefler
Dec 22, 2022Copper Contributor
azure database and data entry
I'd like to have a relational database on azure, is a web app the best way for coworkers to interact with it? Is there an easier way?
1 Reply
How about this:
- Web App / Custom Frontend
- Can be built with Azure App Service, Power Apps, or even a lightweight Flask/Django app.
- Pros: Full control over UX, security, and integration.
- Cons: Requires development effort and ongoing maintenance.
- Power Apps (Low‑Code)
- Microsoft’s low‑code platform lets you quickly build forms and apps that connect directly to Azure SQL or Dataverse.
- Pros: Fast to set up, minimal coding, integrates with M365 (Teams, SharePoint).
- Cons: Less flexible than a fully custom app, licensing costs may apply.
- Excel / Power BI Integration
- Coworkers can use Excel or Power BI to connect directly to Azure SQL for data entry or reporting.
- Excel supports editing rows in SQL tables via connectors.
- Pros: Familiar tools, minimal training needed.
- Cons: Not ideal for complex workflows or enforcing strict validation.
- Direct Database Tools
- Tools like Azure Data Studio or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) allow direct interaction.
- Pros: Powerful for technical users.
- Cons: Not user‑friendly for non‑technical coworkers, risk of accidental data issues.