Best Approach for Sharepoint/Office 365 Solution?

Question

Hello there,
I have been asked to develop a new solution involving SharePoint Online. I know a bit about SharePoint but have not done any development with it as of yet. I need to understand the best approach to take (e.g. WebPart, Separate Web Application, something
else?)
In my opinion, the "application" needs are a bit complex. the solution must be hosted in the Cloud (most likely on Azure or within SharePoint if possible)
It needs to meet the following objectives:
Consume data from a SQL Server database (proprietary, no api available), on premises
Manipulate/Read SharePoint Lists
Launch Workflows
Provide seamless authentication (Users log into the SharePoint online service, must not have to log into a separate app)
Support additional database functionality (e.g. I will have my own tables, sps in SQL, that will be needed) and a UI for users to interact with the custom tables.
Some concerns I have from reading articles is that some functionality is restricted using the SharePoint online platform.
Any input on a viable approach would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Cory

Answer 1

You will want to implement a provider hosted app. A provider hosted app gives you the ability to host your app on a trusted server where you can have your own database. You can also communicate back into SharePoint using CSOM to manipulate lists and launch
workflows. The authentication will flow through from SharePoint Online to your app using OAuth authentication. Some links to help you below:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp179887(v=office.15).aspx#SelfHosted
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/office/fp142381(v=office.15).aspx
Blog | SharePoint Field Notes Dev Tools |
SPFastDeploy | SPRemoteAPIExplorer