How to integrate Azure blob storage with dynamics 365?

[varshinims08]

Hi all, 

I am looking for a method to integrate dynamics 365 with azure blob storage. 

Can you suggest method and detailed information on how to achieve the integration. 

Thank you.. 

[EricRegnier · Accepted solution]

Hi @varshinims08,

1. If within canvas apps, it's also supported with the Blob connector: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/blog/upload-files-from-powerapps-using-the-azure-blob-storage-connec...
2. If in model-driven apps, you have several options:
   1. Similar approach as canvas app, but build as an embedded canvas app: https://docs.microsoft.com/powerapps/maker/model-driven-apps/embed-canvas-app-in-form
   2. Use out-of-the-box file column (it's saved in Blob in the back-end): https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/data-platform/types-of-fields#file-columns  
   3. Custom with PCF or HTML web resource. There are several community PCF controls that do this already:
      https://pcf.gallery/categories#attachments
      https://pcf.gallery/pcf-storageview/ 
3. If you're using Power Apps Portal then it's supported out of the box. More info: https://docs.microsoft.com/powerapps/maker/portals/enable-azure-storage 

Hope this helps!

[varshinims08]

@EricRegnier,

Thank you for your reply, It is very useful. 

I want to use it with Model-driven app, 

Can you please give the detailed information on 2nd option, that is  Use out-of-the-box file column (it's saved in Blob in the back-end). 

I added custom field with data type file to account entity, and added the field in form. But the field is not visible in form, do i have to create custom entity for files? 

Or the file added to the new custom field will directly stored in azure blob? 

Thank you... 

[EricRegnier]

The field should be visible on the form. Have you publish all customizations then hard refresh (CTRL + F5) on the form? Here's what it should look like:

[varshinims08]

I am adding field to the the form, but it is showing like in the below figure

 

And it is not visible after publishing the form. And i am not locking the field but its still locked. 

Thank you... 

[EricRegnier]

That is as designed behavior. Before adding a file., you'll need to save the newly created record. After saving, you will be able upload a file.

[kv]

Does that mean that file fields don't count against your Dynamics 365 storage quota?

[EricRegnier]

It does count against file type of storage:

[Inogic]

I totally get the struggle of trying to connect Azure blob storage with Dynamics 365.

It can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Anyway, you can check out this Integration called Attach2Dynamics by Inogic. It's like a lifesaver for Dynamics 365 CRM/Dataverse users.

Basically, it lets you seamlessly hook up your Dynamics 365 attachments, notes, and documents to cloud storage like Azure Blob Storage and more. Its super handy for freeing up space and keeping things organized. Here’s the Configuration Guide.

See if this helps you out, there's a video by Inogic that can walk you through setting up the Azure Blob Storage connector in Dynamics 365 CRM. Check it out: "Configure Azure Blob Storage connector in your Dynamics 365 CRM environment!"

Hope it helps you out.

Thanks!