O365 <==> Outlook.com calendar

[Anonymous]

Hi All, First time poster here and am only getting to grips with flow but have a question.  is it possible to "sync" o365 and outlook.com calendars?

I have the basics of 1 directional sync.. eg: entry in o365 creates in Outlook.com but i cant seem to get the update(modify) and/or delete to function.

Any guidance??

My current attempt doesnt add an event ID to the original O365 entry.. any way I can either aply one or reference a unique reference??

[Brad_Groux · Accepted solution]

The Outlook.com connector does have calendar definitions that allow for syncing and updating (documentation), as does the Office 365 Outlook connector (documentation) - so one can update the other, and vice-versa. 

With that said, Flow is "Trigger" based - meaning that only a single trigger can initiate the Flow. With this logic, there can't be a "dual trigger" that would allow for a true omnidirectional functionality.

However, you can nest Flows, so you can have a second flow Trigger after the first flow completes, or you could run parrallel Flows, one where Outlook.com updates Office 365 Outlook when it is updated, and one where Office 365 Outlook updates Outlook.com when it is update.

There is however a problem with this model, because you could get into an endless loop. Since Outlook.com and Office 365 Outlook are different systems, there isn't a unqiue GUID or ID that would match between the two systems that would allow you to create a logical expression based condition to make sure that you aren't duplicating calendar events. 

There are some workaround for this, such as comparing the calendar event title, or having the condition fail if another event exists on that same date and time - but you'd have to test and tweak to find what works best for you.

These endless loops are why omnidirectional Flows aren't avaialable by default. Novices or those who don't properly test, could wreak havoc on not only their Flows, but any system or data source that their Flows connect to.

So while you can likely create a Flow to do what you are looking for, you should be diligent with your testing and insure that you limit the damage that it can do if it does somehow enter into an endless loop. Personally, I'd consider making sure that the two Flows only run on a set schedule or interval.

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[Anonymous]

many thank @Brad_Groux  appreciate the insightful reply. I think I knew that in my heart of hearts but was looking for "An easy fix".

I had hoped that there was a more one stop solution.  I guess i'll stick to the single directional flows for now until I truely understand the "loops of death"

I wonder if MS are able to programme something that generates a hidden ID that could be called in the future???

many thanks again for your answer

[Brad_Groux]

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@Anonymous wrote:

many thank @Brad_Groux  appreciate the insightful reply. I think I knew that in my heart of hearts but was looking for "An easy fix".

I had hoped that there was a more one stop solution.  I guess i'll stick to the single directional flows for now until I truely understand the "loops of death"

I wonder if MS are able to programme something that generates a hidden ID that could be called in the future???

many thanks again for your answer

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