The lightweight ASP.NET Core MVC framework, immediately after its release, had a big impact on the software development industry. The framework is optimized for ASP.NET Core making it a very handy tool when it comes to the development of dynamic, new generation web applications.

Touted as one of the most widely used of all Microsoft technologies alongside Azure, ASP.NET is the source of some of the greatest websites present on the internet. With ASP.NET Core MVC, the potential of the technology only grows.

In this blog, we will be exploring some of the most essential features of the ASP.NET Core MVC which makes it an ideal choice for developing modern web applications.
 

Model Binding

 
The Model Binding feature of the framework converts client request data into objects that are in turn controlled by the Controller.
 

Model Validation

 
In addition to Model Binding, the ASP.NET Core MVC framework also aids with the model validation process. The framework can decorate model object by using data annotation validation attributes. Before the values are posted on to the server, the backend checks the validation attributes.
 

Routing

 
The MVC framework was developed at the top of ASP.NET Core’s routing, which turned out to be a great feature of the framework. In a nutshell, the routing feature is a URL-based mapping component that aids with the development of URLs that can be both searched and understood. This feature allows defining a URL’s naming pattern so that it’s SEO friendly and complements link generation.
 

Dependency Injection

 
In technical terms, this feature is what enables the controllers of the framework to follow the Explicit Dependencies Principle once the controllers request the needed services with the help of constructors.
 

Filters

 
The framework also comes with ‘Filters’ that can compress issues such as authorization and exception handling. Filters can also be useful to run pre as well as post customized processing logic for action methods. In addition, filters can also act as attributes when implemented to controllers.
 

Areas

 
This feature helps in dividing large ASP.NET MVC app into smaller groupings that are functional. The area can be defined, within the application, as an MVC structure.

All of these features and a number of others collectively grant an array of benefits not only to product owners but also to developers as well.

• With ASP.NET Core MVC framework, developers can easily build robust cross-platform applications for popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux.
• The aforementioned features also maintain modularity thus simplifying coding.
• The framework’s architecture itself allows developers to build cloud-ready applications that can be deployed on the cloud without issues.

By offering a series of advantages, ASP.NET Core MVC is all set to transform the ASP.NET Development Services sector once more while retaining its ranks among the greatest application development technologies the world has ever known. Thanks to Microsoft’s consistent efforts to keep improving ASP.NET Core, this technology is not going to be outdated any time soon.

A few years back, Microsoft Dynamics CRM was the go-to platform for businesses requiring efficient customer relationship management. Though it isn’t necessarily one of the most popular Microsoft technology solutions ever, it did have a fair share of successes in its long run till 2016. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is now Microsoft Dynamics 365 – a revamped version of the old one with the latest features, and focusing on improved customer engagement.
 

Microsoft Dynamics 365

 
The Dynamics 365 is basically a repackaged bundle of the best of what Dynamics CRM had to offer. It officially replaced CRM in November 2016, and is now considered one of the best business solutions from the tech giant catering to tens of thousands of businesses across the globe far better than its predecessor ever did.

The Dynamics 365 Suite comprises 6 apps including:

• Dynamics 365 for Sales
• Dynamics 365 for Marketing
• Dynamics 365 for Customer Service
• Dynamics 365 for Field Service
• Dynamics 365 for Project Service Automation
• Microsoft Dynamics Social Engagement

Businesses can purchase these apps separately as per their needs or under the Engagement Plan along with other ERP applications.
 

What makes it better than its predecessor?

 
Both platforms share an almost identical design architecture. So what makes Dynamics 365 capable of serving businesses better than the already reliable Dynamics CRM you ask?

Because 365 comes with enhanced features.

The Dynamics CRM was originally designed to assist enterprises as a Customer Relationship Management tool that can carry out customer-facing operations like sales, customer care, and marketing. Dynamics 365 essentially combines the CRM applications with its ERP products thereby dissipating silos of both internal and external information.

This way, a business using Dynamics 365 would be running all front-end and back-end operations from one single platform. Microsoft also provides great support to the Dynamics 365 platform imbuing it with even AI and machine learning capabilities. It enjoys as much demand as ASP.NET development services today.
 

Features exclusive to 365

 
Better integration – Microsoft ensured improved integration capabilities in Dynamics 365 enabling it to deliver great productivity and accurate information. Another great benefit is that Dynamics 365 apps can be easily integrated with the data from over 600 million LinkedIn users as the tech giant had acquired LinkedIn a few years ago. The Microsoft Relationship Sales feature of Dynamics 365 enables users to build relationships with the right people on LinkedIn.

Additionally, Office 365 and Power BI can also be integrated with Dynamics 365 granting businesses accurate insights on their performance.

Better interface – The new interface of 365 was unveiled by Microsoft back in 2017. Known as the Unified Interface, the interface was designed with a mobile-friendly look and an emphasis on standardization across apps i.e. the apps will deliver optimal performance across devices of all types and screen resolutions.

AI/ML capabilities – The October 2018 release of Dynamics 365 introduced Dynamics 365 AI for Sales – a feature that leverages machine learning to deliver data-driven insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This also allows the suite to automate various business processes thereby allowing users to focus on issues of greater importance.
 

Conclusion

 
There are still many businesses that rely on Dynamics CRM to handle customer relationship management. Considering the fact that the extended support for Microsoft Dynamics 4.0 ended by April 2018 and that the support for CRM 2015 would cease by 2020, businesses should consider upgrading to Dynamics 365.

There are also businesses that rely on custom software development services to tailor-make CRM software as an alternative to Dynamics 365. But getting a custom CRM solution that rivals the capabilities of Dynamics 365 is just wishful thinking at this point unless a business is fine with investing tons of money into developing a bespoke solution. The bottom line is that Dynamics 365 is a worthy investment for modern businesses that realized the value of customer relationships.

SharePoint has successfully completed 17 years as one of the world’s most popular intranet platforms and one of the most widely adopted Microsoft technology solutions among enterprises. With SharePoint, organizations can build intranets with great business and team collaboration features. Even after all these years, Microsoft is still betting on SharePoint to stand its ground…and it is.

SharePoint has been augmented by the tech giant with various enhancements for the past couple of years, garnering praise from the community while accelerating the demand for SharePoint development services. Surprisingly, however, not all opinions on SharePoint are positive. It could be the polarized opinions that are making many business decision-makers doubt the platform’s corporate intranet capabilities.

To dispel such doubts, we will explore the major pros and cons of SharePoint intranet in this blog.

Fact: SharePoint has a rich set of features and out-of-the-box capabilities

Pro: SharePoint’s sheer number of features is itself a big merit of the platform. The features can ensure workflow management, enterprise-wide collaboration, content and document management etc. The users essentially get to complete their tasks faster and with much less effort. AI-fueled content collaboration and personalized experiences tailored with the help of AI makes SharePoint a fantastic tool for enterprises.

Con: The number of features can be considered a con of SharePoint as well due to the fact that it can make things quiet messy. For starters, it will be harder for a business to determine what all features of SharePoint will suit their needs. Not prioritizing them and enabling them all will result in an intranet that would do more harm than good; hindering user activities being the best case scenario.

Fact: SharePoint offers deep customizability

Pro: Not all businesses rely on SharePoint’s out-of-the-box features simply because of the fact that said features may not fit a specific business context or meet a specific business objective. However, SharePoint intranet can be appropriately customized – embedding corporate branding, developing custom add-ons, building solutions to perform specific activities etc. As a matter of fact, it’s quite simple to create a unique SharePoint solution that covers a range of processes. All it takes is a set of smart templates and a few clicks.

Con: The customizability of SharePoint is certainly a great merit. But such customizations tend to demand a lot of time and investments. Intranet customization is not something a business can achieve in a fortnight. In addition, the deeper the SharePoint intranet is customized, the bigger the bill.

…which brings us to our final assessment for now.

Fact: SharePoint comes with at least 3 deployment approaches each with different pricing models.

Pro: Commonly chosen SharePoint deployment approaches are on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. Back in the day, SharePoint existed on-premises only. So organizations were required to invest in infrastructure and licenses. Soon after, service charges were added to the bill.

But the advent of the cloud allowed Microsoft to diversify their offerings with a number of cloud plans with varying price tags. SharePoint owners could choose their own pricing model aligned with their budget capabilities.

Con: Just because they get to choose their pricing model doesn’t mean the bill would be any lesser. Cloud intranets do cut intranet costs substantially. But SharePoint deployment itself requires investments. On-premises model requires investments in infrastructure, licenses, and customization. Cloud intranets are more reasonable but come with monthly subscription payments. A hybrid model is a mix of both meaning the organization has to invest in both on-premises and cloud SharePoint.
 

So is it a good idea to use SharePoint?

 
The answer to this question, to a great extent, depends on the size of your business, the collaboration your business needs, and obviously your business’ budget for intranet setup. SharePoint intranet is absolutely beneficial for medium to large-sized businesses with multiple teams and offices. Setting up SharePoint would be easier for businesses with a well-rounded IT infrastructure that complements the business’ growth potential.

There are SharePoint experts who can help your business deploy and leverage SharePoint effectively. Though not as big an industry as ASP.NET development services, SharePoint development still has great demand across enterprises who believe in the collaboration-productivity relationship.

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Not all enterprises have chosen the cloud. Many still make do with on-premises systems. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that Microsoft is a major player when it comes to cloud-based services and on-premises enterprise platforms. In this blog, we will be taking a look at one of the most widely used microsoft technology solutions in the World – SharePoint.

In 2019, we will likely witness a whole new generation of Office servers such as SharePoint, Exchange, and Skype for Business etc. hit the market with innovative features that reflect the cloud-dominated future that’s in the making – enough to upgrade modern data centers hopefully.

But let’s focus on SharePoint 2019 and its best features for now.

The most recent evolutions of SharePoint made it an on-premises platform offering a number of benefits for enterprises in the form of Modern SharePoint Experiences.
 

Modern SharePoint Team Sites

 
Modern SharePoint Team Sites are responsive and comes with an out-of-the-box engine to publish news. Users will be able to share news with the team further enhancing the already improved collaboration that SharePoint facilitates. Unlike most modern Team Sites that are connected to an Office 365 group, Modern on-premises Team Sites don’t require integration with Exchange to function properly.
 

Modern SharePoint Communication Sites

 
As the name suggests, Communication Sites primarily serve the purpose of facilitating information sharing across teams. It’s one of the major pillars of collaboration that SharePoint is known for. Communication Sites in SharePoint 2019 now feature three new templates – Blank, Topic, and Showcase. Included users will be able to share news, policies, and information with each other on an elegant interface.
 

Modern Search Experience

 
The Modern Search Experience feature completes SharePoint’s transition to on-premises. Modern Search Experience in SharePoint 2019 enables users to easily find documents, list items and people inside the SharePoint environment.
 

SharePoint Home

 
Possibly one of the best features in SharePoint on-premises, the SharePoint Home shows news from both Team Sites and Communication Sites in a single location. Additionally, the sites that you follow and the activities from each site are brought together thanks to the feature. Easier access to your favorite sites is the icing on the cake.
 

OneDrive Synchronization

 
SharePoint Server 2019 enables on-premises SharePoint to benefit from the most recent improvements in Windows 10 and OneDrive. As a matter of fact, SharePoint 2019 features the latest version of OneDrive which also goes by the name Next Generation Sync Client (NGSC).

Considering the fact that the introduction of OneDrive positively influenced the demand for SharePoint development services, it’s safe to assume that the latest OneDrive version will increase SharePoint adoption rate even further in the coming years.
 

Power BI Report Server Integration

 
SharePoint 2019 also removed or deprecated a few Business Intelligence features but integrated Power BI Report Server in return. With the Power BI Report Server, users will be able to create sensational reports that can be easily displayed in SharePoint Server 2019.
 

 Conclusion

 
SharePoint is already a favorite for companies offering agile software development services. Now that a number of great features that made the community embrace SharePoint Online also made their way to on-premises in SharePoint Server 2019, business users will most certainly find all the aforementioned features exciting enough to migrate to SharePoint 2019 to leverage the popular platform in their on-premises environments.

What was once simply considered wild imagination is now a possible reality thanks to Augmented Reality. AR is basically a complex computer-produced vision that augments real environments in captivating ways. It’s redefined software and app user experience today. AR software development is a booming industry as we speak. It isn’t easy to master the technology however.

Businesses that realized the potential of AR in enticing their customer base have started investing in AR-powered apps, and developers are looking for the best approaches to mastering the technology. This is where open source comes in.

The gaining momentum of AR led developers to seek out open source technologies that could help them effectively leverage the technology to build AR apps. That said, here are the 4 most popular open source AR software development kits that have impressed AR app enthusiasts across the globe.
 

Google’s ARCore

 
Right at the forefront is Google’s ARCore. Launched in 2018, the SDK is open source under Apache 2.0 license and is designed to bring sensational AR experiences to Android devices.

ARCore enables developers to build AR apps that utilize the features of the mobile device to sense and augment real world environments transforming them into interactive, creative AR scenes that serve multiple purposes. The popular platform also features a multitude of APIs. Some of these APIs are available on iOS as well supporting shared AR experiences. The three most important capabilities of the ARCore are motion tracking, light estimation, and environmental understanding.
 

DroidAR

 
DroidAR was initially developed in 2010, and is known as the only open source AR exclusive to Android. The SDK supports image tracking, location-based and marker-based AR app development. However, it lacks a Unity plugin. DroidAR is a simple SDK licensed under GPLv3 – an ideal option for those looking for a free kit to deliver top notch location-based and marker-based AR experiences.
 

AR.js

 
Licensed under MIT, AR.js is a JavaScript-powered SDK that enables developers to incorporate AR experiences to web browsers without installing an app for it. What makes AR.js unique is the fact that it runs very fast – fast enough to hit 60 fps on older smartphone models. AR.js can be used on all popular mobile platforms such as Windows, Android, and iOS.
 

ARToolKit

 
ARToolKit stands next to Google ARCore as one of the most widely used AR open source technologies. With this SDK, developers can overlay virtual imagery on real environments while delivering a fast and intuitive user experience. ARToolKit is also cross-platform i.e. you can use it on Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows.

Its primary capabilities include tracking the user’s viewpoint and physical position to draw the imagery, tracking of planar images, Unity plugins support, and camera orientation tracking support.
 

Conclusion

 
As Augmented Reality expands its boundaries and crosses over to various industries including healthcare and fashion, the open source SDKs mentioned in this blog could be the game changer for developers who wish to utilize AR in the most effective manner.

Share your thoughts below on AR and AR app development.

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