It has been some time since SharePoint 2013 came out bringing us the new App Model. There is a nice number of Apps in the Office store already and it seems to me that this model is starting to catch up among us developers.
For me it is simply great, especially in the SharePoint Online. What are your experiances and how do you like the new App model?
The App Model is definitely a step in the right direction for Microsoft since they are pushing the cloud. For developers or companies who are new to SharePoint, the App Model is a great starting point.
However, as someone who develops custom solutions for clients who insist on flexible solutions with a small budget and quick turnaround, I find it hard to make the transition from farm solutions to the app model.
Part of the problem is simply learning the new way (App Model) vs. doing what has already been proven (Farm Solutions). The other issue I’ve had is similar to that of using Sandbox Solutions. They may get you 90% of the way there, but there always seems to be specific requirement that requires a farm solution to fulfill.
I’m not sure it really offers the SharePoint functionality to be a success just yet. It will depend on how MS enhance it or if they see the error of their ways again and come up with another solution. (a la sandbox solutions).
I love the model but it’s missing vital functionality to be successful. Something Sandbox Solutions offer you (that is why they’re being used by the Design Manager):Â Provisioning stuff into SharePoint. If Apps can do that properly, we don’t need sandbox anymore.
I love the idea of apps, it’s more secure for the Administrator, as well as it allows developers/business to re-use a custom app done for a client and sell it afterwards!Â
I think its certainly a step in the right direction for SharePoint in Cloud. The only way you can scale quickly and cheaply is to have very few customizations. However, like Sandboxed solutions, the model offers a few challenges (no Farm solutions, no timer jobs, no object model access). You can do a hell of a lot on premise today and the new regime will take a bit of getting used to.Â
I personally SharePoint vNext will be the point that it really takes hold and becomes a way to build and integrate true business apps.
