Why and When to Opt for the SharePoint Framework

A year ago, we introduced our readers to the concept of SPFx. In case you missed that piece, you can read it right here.

In that article, we shared with our readers the definition of SPFx, explained the benefits of using the SharePoint Framework, and provided detailed instructions on how to successfully set up the SPFx environment.

Since then, Microsoft has pushed great changes to the SharePoint framework. The latest 1.11 version has brought a lot of new goodies to the table that have only solidified Sharepoint’s position as the no. 1 modern team site solution for enterprise-level businesses.

In this article, we would like to take a deeper dive into SPFx, explain why this framework is so important, and provide more high-level information so that you can better understand why we at Share IT absolutely love SPFx (and why you should, too).

SharePoint Framework (SPFx), TL;DR Version

SharePoint Framework, a.k.a. SPFx, is a Microsoft solution that enables SharePoint users to create terrific client side web parts and extensions by playing around with JavaScript. You can build solutions that consist only of JavaScript. Yes, the same principles apply as before when we used Angular, Knockout, jQuery, and JSOM to build SharePoint solutions for the browser.

However, the latest SharePoint Framework let’s you take things a step further. It allows you to build more complex solutions that combine the modern SharePoint UX and the power of the add-in model for code isolation and security.

Even though SPFx can be 100% JavaScript-based, you still have an option to work outside of it. SPFx provides full development support for client side development, easy integration with SharePoint data and open source tools. It’s all about customization and using different models and services available in the Microsoft cloud.

Why is SharePoint Framework (SPFx) Important

Before we answer that, it’s important to first take a step back and focus on the history. Let’s go back in time and see how the SharePoint development world looked like before SPFx entered the scene.

Some 4-5 years ago, SharePoint developers relied only on Visual Studio Solutions to design and deploy their projects to the SharePoint Farm or server side. Soon enough, Microsoft figured out that allowing developers to deploy code directly onto the SharePoint servers was a recipe for disaster.

That decision alone caused a lot of simple and complex technical problems that left companies in a development hell. Businesses that didn't have SharePoint .NET specialists on their payroll struggled significantly to make proper use of SharePoint and its menu's wonderful options.

Microsoft was aware that this barrier could drive existing and potential customers away since people would start flagging SharePoint development as “too complex”. This is why the tech giant that originates from Albuquerque, had to come up with a way to bring more users “in” the system and empower them to easily build, customize, and deploy new solutions.

Hello SPFx

After lots of consideration, Microsoft decided to move SharePoint towards a client-side development model. Back in May 2016, during their virtual “Future of SharePoint event”, the company introduced SPFx.

SharePoint Framework opened up SharePoint development to a bigger audience. Since the official launch of SPFx, the days of directly interacting with the SharePoint server have become a nothing but a distant, ugly memory. With SPFx, developers no longer need to send data to the SharePoint server and wait for it to respond. SPFx has made SharePoint development a lot faster and more seamless.

As any other client-side solution, SPFx runs in the context of the current user. In addition to opening SharePoint customization to a whole new audience of developers who didn’t have prior “SharePoint development experience”, SPFx has opened new possibilities for enterprises who are looking to get more value and options from their SharePoint investment.

The Main Value Brought to You by SPFx

The SharePoint Framework comes with a set of web parts that companies can use to customize pages faster than ever before. These default web parts make it easy to customize team pages within SharePoint so that they display from content to tools. To put it simply, the web parts add another super easy layer of manipulation to all the SharePoint resources that are most important to each company team.

If the default web parts don’t respond to the specific user’s needs, companies are given the opportunity to create their own web part from scratch using the new client-side development model. They can create something as simple as polls, or more complex stuff like document dashboards, for instance.

The SPFx web parts give user’s access to data and other essential resources. With the right tools and apps at their disposal, teams can be more productive and more deliberate with how they allocate their time and effort.

When Opting for SPFx Makes The Most Sense

• You wish to prioritize mobile experiences
• Full control of user permissions and great code security are of paramount importance for your business
• In terms of UX: you are not looking for a short-term solution, but want to ensure that what you’re building can be adjusted in the future to respond to ever-evolving customer expectations
• You want to have a variety of customization options at your disposal
• Your solution must comply with strict security standards, i.e. you need to ensure proper data integrity and data protection
• You want the ability to establish communication between your solution and other Microsoft products

If any of the above-mentioned resonates with you and your requirements, SPFx might be the best option. Of course, to make the most of it - you would need to do proper analysis and build a comprehensive business case. Otherwise, you might end up with high costs and poor results. That’s what SharePoint consultants do.

Need a Helping Hand? We’re Here for You

It often happens that managers and C-level executives are well aware of the benefits of SharePoint and SPFx, but they lack the expertise to implement these tools properly. All of this impacts the end product or the solution they’re building. At Share IT, we know SharePoint like the back of our hands. Our SharePoint developers have tons of experience under their belt, so you can rest assured that they can help you out.

So, why Share IT and not some other outsourcing company? For starters, we have been around for as long as SharePoint has. Thanks to over a decade of experience, we adjusted our service delivery management and the way we work to make sure our clients enjoy the most flexibility and get value for their money.

Reach out to us today and let’s kickstart your project.