CRM Rocks

Application Lifecycle Management in Azure DevOps made easy

Parvez Ghumra Sean Astrakhan Episode 153: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Parvez Ghumra and Sean Astrakhan about Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and how Azure DevOps can simplify it for Power Platform projects. Parvez and Sean break down environment strategies, version control, and deployment pipelines, sharing practical insights for both low-code makers and pro developers. They discuss the pros and cons of managed vs unmanaged solutions, the importance of source control, and how to handle configuration data across environments. The episode also touches on ALM challenges in Customer Insights and Copilot Studio, and previews their upcoming hands-on workshop at Nordic Summit. Bio: Parvez is an experienced Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365 CE and Azure Developer/Technical Consultant/Architect. Having originally worked in bespoke software development using the Microsoft technology stack, he first started working with Dynamics CRM in 2010 with version 4.0. He has enjoyed working with every version of the product since then, right through to the present-day Power Platform. Parvez excels at infusing software engineering, architectural and design best practices in the current age of delivery using low-code/no-code tools. He has a particular interest in ALM and DevOps for Power Platform and Dynamics 365 CE, having implemented enterprise-grade processes in this area using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions for large teams and programmes of work globally. Sean Astrakhan is the founder of “Architects Accelerator”, an 8-week training program to turn makers into Power Platform Solutions Architects. He has contracted for the Washington Post, Microsoft and internationally for startups in Denmark and Ukraine. He shares how to architect enterprise Power Platform solutions on his YouTube channel, at user groups and other workshops/bootcamps. Links: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/alm/https://github.com/microsoft/powerplatform-build-toolshttps://github.com/microsoft/powerplatform-actions https://www.linkedin.com/in/parvezghumrahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-astrakhan/ https://www.untethered365.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/parvez-consulting/The post Application Lifecycle Management in Azure DevOps made easy first appeared on CRM Rocks.

MCP and Dataverse with Daniel Laskewitz

Daniel Laskewitz Episode 152: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Daniel Laskewitz from Microsoft about Model Context Protocol (MCP) and its integration with Dataverse. Daniel explains how MCP, a standard developed by Anthropic, enables AI agents to interact with backend systems like Dataverse more intelligently and efficiently. He shares insights on MCP server components—resources, prompts, tools, and sampling—and how they simplify bot creation in Copilot Studio. The conversation explores practical use cases, security considerations, and future possibilities for MCP across platforms like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Logic Apps. Daniel also reflects on his journey from SharePoint developer to Power Platform advocate and previews his upcoming sessions at Nordic Summit and other conferences. Bio Daniel Laskewitz is a Senior Cloud Advocate at Microsoft, specializing in the Power Platform. He helps (advanced) makers, IT professionals, developers, and architects accelerate solution delivery through both low-code and pro-code tools. Career progression: Former Microsoft MVP (6 years) and Fast-Track Recognized Solution Architect before joining Microsoft. Community voice: Regular speaker at leading tech conferences and co-author of Power Platform Weekly. Platform breadth: Deep knowledge across Copilot Studio, Power Apps, Power Automate, ALM, and governance. Content creator: Publishes practical guidance on Copilot Studio, solution design, and ALM. Daniel combines platform expertise with real-world application to support scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions. Links Microsoft Copilot Studio and MCP blog: https://aka.ms/mcsmcp Microsoft Copilot Studio and MCP documentation: https://aka.ms/mcsmcpdocs Microsoft Copilot Studio MCP lab: https://aka.ms/mcsmcplab Microsoft Copilot Studio MCP servers: https://aka.ms/copilot-studio-mcp Dataverse MCP documentation: https://aka.ms/dataverse/mcp Dataverse MCP lab: https://aka.ms/dataverse/mcp/labThe post MCP and Dataverse with Daniel Laskewitz first appeared on CRM Rocks.

Community with David Abu

David Abu Episode 151: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with David Abu from Microsoft about Community. David starts by explaining that he built his career through Community engagement, teaching Excel via WhatsApp and organising local bootcamps. David’s current focus is on Copolit Studio and building a global agent creator community. David highlights the importance of representation in tech. Bio Passionate about the convergence of technology and community, I’ve evolved from a Data Analyst proficient in Power BI to a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft. My career has been a continuous adventure of pushing boundaries and driving impact.Starting in 2019, my expertise in data analytics paved the way for a seamless transition to the Power Platform, where I honed my skills building business applications and analytics using Power Platform and Microsoft Data Technologies, which set me up for my role at Microsoft as a Cloud Advocate. Here, I empowered users with AI-powered tools and worked closely with the Microsoft Fabric team, building the next data cloud technology.Demonstrating my commitment to fostering a thriving community, I co-founded the Data Community Africa in 2022. This initiative brought together professionals within the data space across Africa. The event in Lagos, Nigeria, has attracted over 20k(Hybrid) attendees over the last 3 years.My exceptional contributions in the field of data platform earned me the distinction of being the youngest MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for the data platform in Africa in 2021.Now, in my role focusing on community building and product marketing, I leverage AI-driven insights and experience to cultivate and grow the Agent Community. By uniting diverse perspectives, my aim is to foster an environment where innovation thrives and solutions are built collaboratively.Looking ahead, I am dedicated to integrating AI technologies to enrich user experiences and drive the Agent’s evolution globally, making AI accessible and impactful for all. Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidabu https://www.thepoweraddicts.com https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/scenario-library https://agentcreator.microsoft.com https://powerup.microsoft.com https://powerplatformconf.comThe post Community with David Abu first appeared on CRM Rocks.

Service with Tricia Sinclair

Tricia Sinclair Episode 150: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Tricia Sinclair from Avanade about Service. Tricia starts by explaining that service is more than just support, and we discuss how Microsoft has transitioned from Omnichannel to Contact Centre. AI that helps, how voice is back and more. Bio I am a results-oriented human who loves to focus on how future technology trends can be incorporated into your business today.While technology can help you, my passion also revolves around how that technology affects people. I like to involve people and help them adapt to the future ways of working.Want to strike up a conversation with me outside of technology? There are two other subjects I am passionate about. The first one is mentoring underserved communities. And the second is makeup. I love makeup and seeing the personal transformation using the power of a killer eyeliner. Links https://triciasinclair.com https://www.dynamicsminds.com https://www.sharepointeurope.com/european-power-platform-conference The post Service with Tricia Sinclair first appeared on CRM Rocks.

Custom Pages in 2025 with Cathrine Bruvold

Cathrine Bruvold Episode 149: Markus Erlandsson and Malin Martnes chatted with Cathrine Bruvold from Point Taken about Custom Pages. Cathrine talks about what type of Custom Pages there are and how they can be used to enhance your mode-driven apps. Bio Power Platform Solution Architect and Head of Power Platform in Point Taken. I specialize in building high-quality business solutions and helping businesses develop well-performing applications by leveraging low-code. Passionate about creating apps that are both technically advanced and beautifully designed, focusing on balancing aesthetics and functionality. Based in Oslo, Norway, and 30 years old, I’m a huge nerd, gamer, salsa-amateur and chess enthusiast – both as a player and commentator. A fun fact about me is that I am directionally challenged and will definitely mix up left and right under pressure, but I’ll still be able to solve a Rubik’s cube in 2 minutes or sit down playing chess for 6 hours.   links https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathrine-bruvold-b91b92113 https://saralagerquist.com https://benediktbergmann.eu https://github.com/scottdurowThe post Custom Pages in 2025 with Cathrine Bruvold first appeared on CRM Rocks.