Deployment Options
The SharePoint Connector can be deployed in both cloud (SaaS) and on-premises Business Central environments. This page compares the deployment options and their requirements.
Deployment Comparison
| Aspect | Business Central Online (SaaS) | Business Central On-Premises |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | AppSource or direct | Manual app package install |
| Updates | Automatic via AppSource | Manual update required |
| Authentication | OAuth via Microsoft Entra | OAuth or Certificate |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Requires IT administration |
| Scaling | Automatic | Manual infrastructure management |
Business Central Online (SaaS)
Advantages
- Easy Installation: Install directly from Microsoft AppSource
- Automatic Updates: Receive updates automatically
- Integrated Authentication: Seamless Microsoft 365 authentication
- No Infrastructure: Microsoft manages the infrastructure
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| BC Subscription | Business Central Online subscription |
| SharePoint | SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365) |
| Admin Access | Business Central admin permissions for install |
| Azure AD | Access to Microsoft Entra ID for app registration |
Installation Path
- Find the app in Microsoft AppSource
- Install in sandbox for testing
- Install in production after validation
- Configure SharePoint connection
Business Central On-Premises
Advantages
- Full Control: Complete control over environment
- Customization: More flexibility for customizations
- Offline Capability: Can operate with limited connectivity
- Data Sovereignty: Data remains in your infrastructure
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| BC Version | Business Central On-Premises 24 (2024 release wave 1) or later |
| SharePoint | SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365) |
| App Package | Download the app package (a single package is produced) |
| Outbound Internet | Required for SharePoint REST API access |
Installation Path
- Download the app package
- Publish the app using Business Central Administration Shell
- Install the app in target companies
- Configure SharePoint connection
Version Matching
The app declares a minimum platform version of 17.0.0.0 but uses AL runtime 13.0 (app.json), which requires Business Central 24 (2024 release wave 1) or later. A single package is produced; no separate per-version packages exist. If you need a build for a specific platform, contact the publisher.
Hybrid Scenarios
On-Premises BC with SharePoint Online
This is the supported scenario for on-premises:
- Business Central runs on-premises
- SharePoint is in Microsoft 365 cloud
- Authentication via Microsoft Entra ID
- Requires outbound internet access
Unsupported Configurations
| Configuration | Status |
|---|---|
| On-Prem BC + On-Prem SharePoint | Not supported |
| Docker/Container BC | May work, not officially supported |
| Isolated Networks | Requires internet for SharePoint |
Network Considerations
Required Connectivity
Both deployment types require network access to:
| Endpoint | Purpose |
|---|---|
*.sharepoint.com |
SharePoint document access (SharePoint REST API) |
login.microsoftonline.com |
OAuth authentication (Public cloud) |
login.microsoftonline.us |
OAuth authentication (US Government cloud) |
check.hougaardlicense.com |
License validation (production activation only) |
Firewall Configuration
Ensure your firewall allows outbound HTTPS (port 443) to the above endpoints.
Proxy Servers
If using a proxy server:
- Ensure the proxy allows access to Microsoft 365 endpoints
- Authentication proxies may require additional configuration
Multi-Environment Deployment
SaaS Multi-Environment
For organizations with multiple Business Central environments:
- Each environment is configured independently
- Sandbox and production can have different settings
- Consider using the same SharePoint structure across environments
On-Premises Multi-Company
For on-premises with multiple companies:
- App is installed once per environment
- Each company can have its own SharePoint configuration
- Use "Separate Token Per Company" if needed
Deployment Best Practices
Pre-Deployment
- Plan SharePoint Structure: Design folder hierarchy before deployment
- Verify Permissions: Ensure you have required admin access
- Test in Sandbox: Always test in a non-production environment first
- Document Configuration: Record settings for future reference
Deployment Checklist
| Step | SaaS | On-Premises |
|---|---|---|
| Verify BC version compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Verify SharePoint access | Yes | Yes |
| Prepare Azure AD app registration | Yes | Yes |
| Download app package | No | Yes |
| Install app | Via AppSource | Via Admin Shell |
| Configure connection | Yes | Yes |
| Test functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Activate license | Yes | Yes |
Post-Deployment
- Train Users: Provide training on connector features
- Monitor Usage: Watch for errors or issues
- Plan Updates: Establish update procedures (especially for on-premises)
Updates and Maintenance
SaaS Updates
- Updates are delivered automatically via AppSource
- Major updates may require testing in sandbox first
- Review release notes for changes
On-Premises Updates
- Updates require manual download and installation
- Test updates in non-production first
- May require Business Central service restart
- Back up before updating