How to understand Power Platform Licensing

Power Platform licensing can be a complex topic to understand, but it’s an important one to get right in order to ensure that your organization has access to the right features and capabilities. Here’s a more detailed overview of Power Platform licensing and how to understand it.

The Power Platform is a suite of tools from Microsoft that allows users to create custom applications, automate workflows, and build data visualizations. The platform consists of three main components: Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI.

Power Apps is a tool that allows users to create custom applications using a low-code or no-code approach. With Power Apps, users can build web and mobile applications that are tailored to their specific needs. Power Automate is a tool for workflow automation that allows users to create automated workflows between different systems and applications. Power BI is a tool for data visualization and analytics, allowing users to create reports and dashboards that can be shared with others.

When it comes to licensing, there are different options available depending on the needs of your organization. Understanding the different licensing options is important in order to choose the right license for your organization.

User-based licensing

Power Platform licensing is user-based, which means that each individual user who needs access to the platform will require a license. This includes both internal and external users. There are different licensing options available depending on the type of user and the level of access they require.

Internal users

For internal users, there are two main licensing options available: per user and per app. A per user license provides users with access to all of the features within the Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. With a per user license, users can create unlimited custom applications and workflows, as well as view and create reports and dashboards.

A per app license, on the other hand, provides users with access to a specific custom application within the Power Platform. With a per app license, users can only access the specific application they are licensed for, and cannot create any other applications or workflows.

External users

For external users, there is a different licensing option available: per login. A per login license allows external users to access a specific custom application within the Power Platform, but they do not have access to any other applications or features within the platform. External users are defined as users who are not employees or onsite contractors of the organization.

Licensing levels

Within each license type, there are different licensing levels that provide different features and capabilities. For example, with Power Apps, there are three different licensing levels: per app, per user, and per device.

Per app licensing allows users to create and access a specific custom application within the Power Platform. Per user licensing provides users with access to all of the features within the platform, including the ability to create unlimited custom applications and workflows, as well as view and create reports and dashboards. Per device licensing allows multiple users to access a specific custom application from a single device.

It’s important to choose the right licensing level for your organization based on your needs. If you only need to access a specific custom application, a per app license may be sufficient. However, if you need access to all of the features within the platform, a per user license may be a better option.

Consulting with a licensing expert

If you’re still unsure which Power Platform license is right for your organization, it’s a good idea to consult with a licensing expert. A licensing expert can help you navigate the different options and choose the right license for your organization. Microsoft provides detailed documentation and resources to help users understand the different licensing options and their features, so it’s worth taking the time to review these resources and consult with an expert if needed.

For more licensing details, please visit https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2085130

In conclusion, understanding Power Platform licensing is an important aspect of using the platform effectively.