[ ABORT TO HUD ]
SEQ. 1
SEQ. 2

Dataverse Fundamentals

🌐 Power Pages & Dataverse⏱ 15 min⭐ 100 BASE XP

The Power Platform Data Layer

Dataverse is the enterprise-grade relational data platform underpinning the entire Power Platform ecosystem. It provides secure, scalable data storage with built-in business logic, security, and governance — eliminating the need for custom database infrastructure.

Core Concepts

ConceptSQL EquivalentDescription
TableTableA structured set of records (rows) with defined columns
ColumnColumnA field with a specific data type (text, number, lookup, choice)
RowRowA single record in a table
RelationshipForeign KeyOne-to-many, many-to-many, or one-to-one links between tables
Choice (Option Set)EnumPredefined picklist values (e.g., Status: Active, Inactive, Pending)

Security Model

Dataverse implements a layered security model that controls access at multiple levels:

  • Business Units: Organisational hierarchy that segments data visibility (e.g., regional offices)
  • Security Roles: Define CRUD permissions per table (e.g., "Sales Rep" can Read Accounts but not Delete)
  • Teams: Groups of users sharing the same security role for efficient management
  • Row-Level Security: Users only see records they own, their team owns, or their business unit owns
  • Column-Level Security: Restrict access to specific sensitive columns (e.g., salary, SSN)

Standard vs Custom Tables

Dataverse includes 400+ standard tables (Account, Contact, Case, Opportunity) that follow the Common Data Model. These integrate natively with Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365. Custom tables are created for organisation-specific data that doesn't fit standard tables.

💡 Key Insight: Always use standard tables where possible — they come with pre-built relationships, forms, views, and integrations. Only create custom tables for truly unique business data that has no standard equivalent.
SYNAPSE VERIFICATION
QUERY 1 // 3
What is a Business Unit in Dataverse?
A billing category
An organisational hierarchy that segments data visibility for row-level security
A type of connector
A report template
Watch: 139x Rust Speedup
Dataverse Fundamentals | Power Pages & Dataverse — Power Platform Academy