Choosing the Right API for Building a SharePoint-Hosted App: Integrating Azure AD Data

SharePoint is a powerful tool, but sometimes developers might be overzealous with custom solutions, hoping to create something that can be achieved through built-in functionalities. However, leveraging the built-in features of SharePoint can save time, effort, and resources. In this article, we will explore which API you should use to build a SharePoint-hosted app that reads data from Azure AD.

Understanding SharePoint and Azure AD Integration

When working with SharePoint and Azure AD, it's essential to understand the context and requirements. SharePoint is a collaboration platform that provides various features, including security, groups, and workflows. Azure AD (Active Directory) is a cloud service for enterprise identity and access management.

Choosing the Right API

When developing a SharePoint-hosted app that reads data from Azure AD, the first step is to select the appropriate API. SharePoint offers multiple APIs, including the REST API, which can be used to interact with SharePoint and Azure AD.

REST API for SharePoint 2013

In SharePoint 2013, the REST API is a powerful tool for accessing and manipulating data. The REST API reference can be very helpful, especially when working with users, groups, and roles. Here are some key points:

Users, Groups, and Roles REST API Reference: This API allows you to manage users, groups, and roles within SharePoint. REST API Reference and Samples: Explore the official documentation and examples to understand how to use the REST API effectively. Security and Synchronization: When integrating Azure AD with SharePoint, ensure that user and group synchronization is properly configured.

Alternative Approach: Utilizing SharePoint and Azure AD Governance

Before delving into development, consider whether you truly need a custom app. SharePoint and Azure AD offer robust features that can often meet your requirements without custom development:

SharePoint Security and Groups

SharePoint has its own security features, and if you have the Azure AD Premium license, you can synchronize Azure AD groups with SharePoint using the Azure AD synchronization tool. This synchronization ensures that Azure AD and SharePoint groups are in sync.

Example: HR Users Group

For example, if you have an Azure AD group called HR_Users_AD, it can be synchronized with a SharePoint group called HR_Users_SP. This group in SharePoint will contain members from the Azure AD group HR_Users_AD.

Recommendations

Configuration and Testing: Ensure that the synchronization is configured correctly and tested thoroughly. Permissions Management: Provide specific permissions to administrators to manage SharePoint and Azure AD groups, avoiding confusion and errors. Governance Policy: Implement a governance policy that allows administrators to manage Azure AD groups exclusively, preventing accidental changes in SharePoint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while building a SharePoint-hosted app that reads data from Azure AD can seem like a daunting task, it's often better to leverage the built-in functionalities of SharePoint and Azure AD. By understanding the context, choosing the right API, and implementing proper governance policies, you can achieve your goals without the need for extensive custom development.