Why Connecting to M365 Data with Microsoft Fabric Matters
You need to get M365 Data in large amounts to find real business value. Many groups have big problems when they handle this data. Some usual problems are keeping data apart, too much work, high prices, different setups, and hard ways to manage identities. These problems make it tough to learn from data and keep things safe. Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Graph Data Connect help you fix these problems. They make getting data easy, safe, and follow the rules.
Key Takeaways
Connecting to M365 Data helps you find useful business ideas. You can use Excel and Power BI to spot patterns. These tools also help your team work better together.
Microsoft Fabric makes handling data easier. It puts all your analytics in one place. This means you do not need to switch between different services.
Use Microsoft Graph Data Connect to move data quickly. It lets you handle big sets of data safely. You can also control who can see the data.
Use ready-made templates in Microsoft Fabric. These templates help you save time. They let you solve common business problems fast.
Make sure security and compliance come first with Microsoft Fabric. It has strong security tools and rules. These keep your data safe and help you follow the law.
Value of M365 Data
Business Insights
When you connect to M365 Data, you can find helpful business insights. This data lets you see how teams work together. It also shows how your company runs. You can use Excel and Power BI to look for patterns. These tools help you spot trends. The insights help you make good choices fast.
You can help your teams work better together.
The Personal insights app lets you look at how people work.
The Team insights app shows team habits that might cause stress.
The Organization insights app helps you see how work culture affects employees.
The Advanced insights app answers questions about work culture and strength.
You can find the most viewed help and training articles. You can also see what topics are popular in your company.
The Microsoft Copilot Dashboard gives you tips on using AI and its effects.
Productivity Gains
You can get more done by using M365 Data with analytics tools. Power Automate helps you do boring tasks faster. Copilot helps sales teams pick leads and write emails. This gives them more time for customers. In customer service, Copilot helps answer faster and does some jobs for you. Power Automate makes handling invoices quicker and with fewer mistakes.
Here is a table that shows how companies work better:
Workers save over 10 hours each month with Copilot. They use it for tasks they do again and again. You can see tasks are 68% more accurate. Communication tasks are 70% more productive.
Real-World Impact
You can see real results when groups use M365 Data. Nonprofits like Team Rubicon use real-time data to help in disasters. FSESO uses automated workflows to do office work faster. DDFL uses data to track donations and reach more people.
Groups using Microsoft 365 AI get almost $4 back for every $1 spent on generative AI. This proves that connecting to M365 Data can bring real value to your group.
Microsoft Fabric and MGDC Overview
Microsoft Fabric Basics
You want a platform that makes working with data easy. Microsoft Fabric gives you one place for all your analytics. You get tools for data engineering, data science, and real-time intelligence. It also has data warehousing. Fabric puts everything together, so you do not switch between services.
Here is a table that shows what Microsoft Fabric offers:
You can use Fabric to keep all your data together. This helps you find answers quickly. It also keeps your data safe.
MGDC Explained
Microsoft Graph Data Connect (MGDC) helps you move M365 Data safely. You can get lots of data for many users or groups. MGDC lets you control who can see the data and when.
MGDC lets you set up regular data moves, so your info stays fresh.
You use Azure Data Factory to move data, which makes things easy.
Administrators can choose who gets access, so sensitive data stays safe.
MGDC keeps data protection from Microsoft 365 in your Azure subscription.
Here is a table comparing MGDC to the regular Microsoft Graph API:
You can see MGDC is better for groups that need lots of M365 Data.
Integration Benefits
You get many benefits when you use Microsoft Fabric and MGDC together. Fabric works well with Microsoft 365, so your experience is smooth. You can grow your data projects easily, so you do not worry about speed.
Tip: Try a pilot project first to see how Fabric works for you. Teams say they get answers faster and need less help after switching.
You can teach your team about governance and OneLake. This helps everyone use the platform safely. You can try a free trial to learn the interface. Turn on Fabric with your Power BI Premium for quick results.
You pick Fabric and MGDC because they make data work simple and safe. You get more value from your M365 Data and help your group make better choices.
Accessing M365 Data
When you connect to M365 Data with Microsoft Fabric, you can find business value. You turn raw data into helpful insights. This helps you make better choices. This part explains why connecting is important. It also tells you what data you can use. Templates can make your work easier.
Connection Steps
You need the right setup to connect Microsoft Fabric to your M365 Data. These steps keep your data safe. They also help your analytics work well. If you follow the right steps, you avoid problems. Only trusted people can see private data.
Here is a table that lists what you need:
Tip: If you meet these needs, you can connect fast. You can start looking at your M365 Data right away.
You follow these steps to keep your group’s data safe. This also helps you follow the rules. You can grow your analytics as your group gets bigger.
Data Types
You can get many kinds of M365 Data with Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Graph Data Connect. This lets you answer big questions about your group. You can see how people talk, work together, and share files.
Here is a table with some main datasets:
You use these datasets to see how teams talk and work. You can watch how projects move forward. You can also see how information moves. This helps you find patterns and make teamwork better.
Templates and Workflows
You do not have to start from zero when you look at M365 Data. Microsoft Fabric gives you ready-made templates. These save you time and help you get answers faster. Templates help you solve common business problems.
Here are some templates you can use:
Entity Sentiment Analysis: Find entities in Outlook and Teams data to see how users feel.
Organizational Network Analysis: Find out how people work together and talk.
Information Oversharing: Spot when people share too much or act in risky ways.
These templates help you answer questions like, “How do workers feel about changes?” or “Are teams sharing safely?” You use them to work faster and focus on what matters.
Note: Ready-made workflows mean you spend less time making reports. You spend more time using insights to help your group.
When you connect to M365 Data with Microsoft Fabric, you get strong tools and workflows. You can quickly use your data to make things better and stay safe.
Security and Compliance
Security Features
You want your data to be safe. Microsoft Fabric has strong security tools. You choose who can see your data. Azure Active Directory helps you set permissions. You can use multi-factor authentication for extra safety. Data is encrypted when stored and when moving. You get alerts if someone tries to get in without permission. Microsoft Defender for Cloud checks for threats and helps you act fast.
Here is a table that lists important security features:
You feel calm knowing your data is safe all the time.
Compliance Controls
You must follow laws and rules with M365 Data. Microsoft Fabric helps you meet these needs. The platform supports GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy rules. You can set how long to keep data and how to use it. Data Loss Prevention tools help stop leaks before they happen.
Here is a table with key compliance certifications:
You keep sensitive data safe and spot risks. You make maps to see where your data goes and how it is used.
You follow the rules and avoid getting fined.
Governance
You want to control who uses your data and how. Microsoft Fabric gives you tools for this. Microsoft Purview helps you keep data good and safe. Data catalogs help you find and manage data easily. You set roles so only the right people see private info. Microsoft Entra helps you manage identities in different places.
Here is a table of governance tools:
You stay in charge of your data and make sure everyone follows the rules.
You get real benefits when you connect M365 data with Microsoft Fabric. The platform makes your work easier and keeps your data safe. It also helps you find business value.
Fabric puts all your data in one spot. You spend less time getting data ready. You can share what you learn right in Microsoft 365 apps.
To begin, you can follow these steps:
Sign up for a free trial of Microsoft Fabric.
Look at the Microsoft Fabric website and read the guides.
Join the Fabric community to learn and share with others.
FAQ
Why should you connect M365 data with Microsoft Fabric?
When you connect M365 data with Microsoft Fabric, you find helpful patterns. You can see how teams work together. This helps you make better choices. Fabric lets you use your data fast and keeps it safe.
Why does Microsoft Fabric make data integration easier?
You use just one platform for all your analytics. Fabric puts your data in OneLake. You do not need to switch between different tools. This saves time and helps you make fewer mistakes.
Why is security important when accessing M365 data?
You need to keep private information safe from threats. Microsoft Fabric uses strong security like encryption and access controls. This helps your group stay safe and follow the rules.
Why do templates and workflows matter for M365 analytics?
Ready-made templates and workflows help you save time. These tools let you answer business questions quickly. You can use insights right away instead of making reports from nothing.
Why should you choose Microsoft Graph Data Connect for large-scale data?
You need to move lots of data for many people. Microsoft Graph Data Connect lets you do this at once. You can control who sees the data and when they see it.