All your questions answered.
skybow Studio
What is the difference between skybow Studio and traditional SharePoint development?
skybow Studio eliminates the need for custom code, JSON formatting, and complex CAML queries. Instead of spending weeks coding solutions, you can build complete SharePoint applications using visual editors and drag-and-drop functionality within hours, while maintaining professional-grade functionality and performance.
Can multiple developers work on the same project in skybow Studio?
Yes, skybow Studio supports unlimited developer users for collaborative development. You can share projects with team members, work simultaneously on different components, and manage changes through version control without conflicts or additional licensing costs.
How does skybow Studio handle version control and deployment?
skybow Studio includes built-in version control with rollback capabilities and a powerful Package & Publish feature. You can develop in a safe test environment, create deployment packages, and push solutions to multiple tenants or environments with complete change tracking.
What happens to my skybow Studio solutions if Microsoft updates SharePoint?
Since skybow Studio builds on standard SharePoint foundations, your solutions automatically benefit from Microsoft updates without requiring manual adjustments. The platform is designed to be forward-compatible with SharePoint roadmap changes.
Is there a limit to how many solutions I can build with skybow Studio?
With our simple subscription model, you can create unlimited solutions. The licensing is based on end-users who actually use the solutions, not the number of applications you build or the developers who create them.
Can I export my skybow Studio solutions to use elsewhere?
skybow solutions are built on standard SharePoint structures (lists, libraries, content types) and can be published to any SharePoint Online site or exported as installation packages for SharePoint servers.
How does skybow Studio integrate with existing SharePoint customizations?
skybow Studio works alongside existing SharePoint customizations without conflicts. It enhances standard SharePoint functionality and can integrate with custom web parts, third-party solutions, and existing SharePoint framework components.
What training is required for new skybow Studio users?
SharePoint administrators can become productive even without training due to the intuitive interface. For anybody new to SharePoint, we offer custom trainings, a skybow academy, and 1:1 technical support in German and English.
Can skybow Studio connect to external databases and APIs?
Yes, skybow Studio includes HTTP request capabilities for connecting to external REST APIs and web services with no extra costs involved for HTTP requests. You can pull data from external sources, send data to third-party systems, and integrate with databases through web service layers. You can also easily add data from more than 200 sources (SAP, Oracle, .csv) through the use of the graph connectors.
How does skybow Studio handle enterprise-scale deployments?
skybow Studio includes enterprise features like template creation, bulk deployment across multiple tenants, environment management, and role-based access control, making it suitable for large-scale organizational rollouts.
Can skybow solutions be migrated if we decide to change platforms later?
Since skybow builds on standard SharePoint structures, your data and basic functionality remain accessible through native SharePoint even without skybow. The solutions use standard SharePoint lists, libraries, and content types, ensuring your investment is protected and data is never locked in.
What support options are available beyond the initial onboarding?
Beyond initial training, skybow provides ongoing support through multiple channels: step-by-step video tutorials, comprehensive documentation, chat support during business hours, and the skybow Academy for advanced training. You can also schedule expert calls when needed and access our active community forum. Learn more about our support options.
What happens to our existing SharePoint customizations when we add skybow?
skybow works alongside your existing SharePoint customizations without interfering with them. Your current web parts, custom columns, workflows, and permissions remain unchanged. skybow enhances what you already have rather than replacing it, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to existing functionality.
Is skybow suitable for organizations with strict compliance requirements?
Yes, skybow inherits all of SharePoint's enterprise-grade security and compliance features, including GDPR compliance, SOC 2 certification, and industry-specific regulations. Since solutions run entirely within your SharePoint environment, they automatically benefit from your existing compliance controls and audit trails.
What programming skills are helpful but not required for skybow?
While no programming is required, basic understanding of SharePoint concepts like lists, libraries, and permissions is helpful. Knowledge of HTML/CSS can enhance form styling, and JavaScript skills allow for advanced customizations. However, most users succeed with just business process knowledge and willingness to learn.
Can skybow work with SharePoint on-premises installations?
Yes, skybow supports both SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server 2019/SE on-premises installations. This flexibility allows organizations to use skybow regardless of their SharePoint deployment model, and solutions can even be migrated between on-premises and cloud environments.
What reporting and analytics capabilities does skybow provide?
skybow solutions can leverage SharePoint's native reporting through views, charts, and Power BI integration. You can create custom dashboards, track form submissions, monitor workflow performance, and generate automated reports. Data can also be exported to Excel or connected to external business intelligence tools. Here you can find an overview of various reporting solutions that have been built with skybow.
How does skybow handle data backup and disaster recovery?
Since skybow stores all data in SharePoint, it benefits from Microsoft's enterprise-grade backup and disaster recovery capabilities. This includes geo-redundant storage, automated backups, and enterprise-level SLA guarantees. Organizations can also implement additional backup strategies using SharePoint's native tools.
How does skybow handle user permissions and access control?
skybow fully integrates with SharePoint's permission system, allowing you to use existing security groups and permission levels. You can control access to forms, data, and actions based on user roles, departments, or custom groups. Fine-grained permissions can be set at the field, form, or workflow level.
How does skybow pricing compare to hiring developers for custom solutions?
skybow typically costs 70-90% less than hiring developers for custom solutions. While a custom SharePoint solution might cost $20,000-$100,000+ and take months to develop, equivalent skybow solutions can be built in hours or days for a fraction of the cost, with no ongoing developer maintenance required.
How does skybow ensure solution performance with large amounts of data?
skybow optimizes performance through efficient SharePoint integration, smart data loading, and built-in caching mechanisms. Solutions automatically benefit from SharePoint's performance optimizations, and skybow provides tools for managing large datasets including pagination, filtering, and indexed lookups to maintain fast response times.
How quickly can we see ROI from implementing skybow?
Most organizations see immediate ROI from skybow through reduced development time and elimination of manual processes. Simple solutions can be built in hours rather than weeks, and the cost savings from avoiding custom development typically pay for the platform within the first few months of implementation. If you want to discuss the potential ROI for your specific use case, book a call with one of our experts.
What are the system requirements for using skybow?
skybow requires a SharePoint Online or SharePoint Server 2019/SE environment and admin rights for initial setup. End users only need a web browser - no additional software installation is required. The platform works with all modern browsers and is responsive for mobile and tablet use. Our experts can help verify your environment compatibility - book a call to get started.
How does skybow handle multi-language and international requirements?
skybow supports SharePoint's built-in multi-language capabilities, allowing forms and solutions to be created in multiple languages. The platform respects regional settings for date formats, number formats, and currency. User interfaces can be localized, and content can be translated using SharePoint's translation features. If you have specific international requirements for your project, book a call with one of our experts to discuss your needs.
What happens during the 30-day free trial?
During the free trial, you get full access to skybow Studio with expert setup assistance and guidance. Our team helps you connect to your SharePoint environment, provides initial training, and supports you in building your first solution. You can test all features without limitations or credit card requirements. To get started, book a call with one of our experts and we will set up everything together with you.
skybow vs Power Apps
How does skybow compare to other low-code platforms beyond Microsoft?
Unlike standalone low-code platforms, skybow is natively integrated into SharePoint, eliminating data synchronization issues and reducing security risks. Other platforms require separate databases and complex integrations, while skybow leverages your existing SharePoint infrastructure without additional server costs or maintenance overhead.
Which platform is better for organizations with existing SharePoint investments?
skybow is the logical choice if you want to leverage your existing infrastructure instead of building up a new one from the ground. skybow enhances and extends existing SharePoint capabilities without replacing them, while Power Apps may require significant architectural changes and additional infrastructure investments.
How do performance and scalability compare?
skybow solutions run natively in SharePoint with optimal performance for typical business scenarios. Power Apps may face performance challenges with complex forms or large datasets and requires additional optimization and potentially premium capacity.
How do the development environments compare?
skybow provides an all-in-one development environment with testing, deployment, and version control built-in. Power Apps requires multiple tools (Power Apps Studio, Power Automate, Power BI) for complete solutions, increasing complexity and learning requirements.
Which platform offers better integration with Microsoft 365?
skybow provides deeper M365 integration since it's natively built into SharePoint and includes automatic integration with Teams, Outlook, and other M365 services without requiring premium connectors or additional configuration.
How do data storage approaches differ between the platforms?
skybow stores all data in your existing SharePoint environment using standard lists and libraries, while Power Apps often requires separate Dataverse storage with additional costs and complexity. skybow eliminates data synchronization issues and additional storage fees.
Which platform is easier for non-technical users to learn?
skybow is significantly easier for business users to learn because it works within familiar SharePoint interfaces and doesn't require understanding multiple platforms. Power Apps requires learning separate tools for different functions and more technical concepts.
How does licensing cost compare between skybow and Power Apps?
skybow offers transparent, user-based pricing without hidden costs or premium connector fees. Organizations typically save 50-80% compared to Power Apps when factoring in premium licenses, Dataverse costs, and additional tool requirements. Get your individual offer on our licencing site.
Legacy Migration to SharePoint
How can skybow help with Nintex end of life migration?
With Nintex on Prem (Nintex Workflow for Office 365) reaching end of life in December 2025, skybow Studio provides an ideal migration alternative. Unlike the Nintex Automation Cloud which costs 4-5 times more, skybow offers cost-effective licensing with transparent per-user pricing. Your existing Nintex processes and forms can be migrated or rebuilt in skybow without loss of functionality, ensuring minimal disruption to users. skybow integrates seamlessly with SharePoint, keeping all your data secure within your existing environment while providing modern workflow capabilities. Read our comprehensive Nintex migration guide or book a consultation to discuss your specific migration needs.
How long does a typical legacy migration take?
Migration timelines vary based on complexity, but most projects complete within weeks rather than months. Simple form migrations can often be completed in days, while complex workflow migrations may take several weeks including testing and training.
Can skybow migrate solutions from other low-code platforms?
Yes, skybow can serve as a migration target from other platforms by recreating forms, workflows, and business logic using SharePoint as the foundation. This often results in improved performance and reduced licensing costs.
What about migrating from legacy SharePoint workflows?
skybow modernizes legacy SharePoint 2010/2013 workflows by recreating them using current SharePoint technologies and the Action Builder. This eliminates dependencies on deprecated workflow engines while improving performance and reliability.
How does skybow handle migration from Lotus Notes applications?
skybow can recreate Lotus Notes workflows and forms in modern SharePoint environments. The platform's flexibility allows for maintaining complex business processes while leveraging modern collaboration features and security standards.
Can skybow help migrate from InfoPath forms?
Yes, skybow is an ideal InfoPath replacement, providing advanced form capabilities that exceed InfoPath functionality while maintaining data integrity. Most simple forms can be transferred directly to SharePoint forms. Complex forms can be easily rebuilt using skybow's modern forms designer. The migration process preserves existing data and business logic while modernizing the user experience.
Forms Designer
How does skybow handle form validation and business rules?
skybow provides comprehensive validation options including required field validation, custom rules, conditional logic, and cross-field validation. Business rules can be set up visually without coding, including complex scenarios like cascading dropdowns, calculated fields, and multi-step approval processes. Here you can find a detailed overview of the differences between skybow and SharePoint out of the box.
Can I customize the styling and branding of the Forms Designer?
The Forms Designer supports extensive styling customization including corporate branding, custom CSS, themed layouts while maintaining accessibility standards and SharePoint design consistency.
How does the Forms Designer handle file attachments and document management?
The Forms Designer provides enhanced file attachment capabilities including drag-and-drop uploads, file type restrictions, automatic document naming, integration with SharePoint document libraries, automated document approval workflows, and can automatically generate docx files based on the form input data.
Can I create forms with dynamic sections and conditional logic?
Yes, the Forms Designer supports dynamic sections that show/hide based on user selections, conditional field validation, cascading dropdowns, and complex business rules that adapt the form experience based on user input and business requirements.
What happens to form data if I stop using skybow?
Since the Forms Designer stores data in standard SharePoint lists and libraries, your data remains fully accessible through native SharePoint interfaces. The enhanced form features would revert to standard SharePoint forms, but no data is lost.
Can the Forms Designer work with existing SharePoint views and web parts?
Yes, the Forms Designer enhances existing SharePoint lists and libraries while preserving all standard SharePoint functionality. Users can still access data through standard views, web parts, and other SharePoint features alongside the enhanced form experience.
How do I handle complex approval workflows with the Forms Designer?
The Forms Designer integrates with skybow's the Action Builder to create sophisticated approval workflows including multi-stage approvals, parallel approval paths, escalation rules, and automated notifications without requiring Power Automate or additional licensing.
Can I integrate the Forms Designer with Microsoft Teams?
Absolutely. The skybow Forms Designer can be embedded directly in Teams channels, work seamlessly with Teams notifications, and leverage Teams user context for personalized form experiences and automated team communications.
What advanced field types are available in the Forms Designer?
The skybow Forms Designer includes advanced field types like calculated fields, lookup fields across site collections, signature capture, file attachments, repeating sections, conditional logic fields, and custom validation rules that go beyond standard SharePoint capabilities.
How does the skybow Forms Designer compare to Power Apps (Canvas) forms?
The skybow Forms Designer is natively integrated into SharePoint, providing better performance and no data synchronization issues. Unlike Power Apps (Canvas), there are no premium connector costs, user licensing complexity, or separate data storage requirements since everything works within your existing SharePoint environment.
Action Builder
What types of workflows can be automated with skybow?
skybow can automate virtually any business workflow including approval processes, document reviews, employee onboarding, expense management, project tracking, customer service requests, inventory management, and compliance procedures. Complex multi-step workflows with conditional logic and parallel paths are fully supported. Here you can find a small overview of various workflow solutions that have already been built with skybow.
Can skybow integrate with third-party business applications?
Yes, skybow can integrate with third-party applications through REST APIs, webhooks, and HTTP requests. Common integrations include CRM systems, ERP platforms, accounting software, and databases. The Action Builder provides tools for data mapping, authentication, and error handling for seamless integrations. With more than 100 connectors currently available, you can connect to popular Microsoft and non-Microsoft services through Microsoft's Graph connectors. These connectors include Azure services, Box, Confluence, Google services, MediaWiki, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and many more.
Can I reuse actions across different solutions?
Yes, the Action Builder supports action templates and reusable components. You can create standardized actions for common business processes and apply them across multiple solutions, improving consistency and reducing development time.
What security controls are available for the Action Builder?
The Action Builder inherits SharePoint's security model and adds role-based access controls for action configuration. You can restrict who can create, modify, or execute specific actions while maintaining complete audit trails of all activities.
Can the Action Builder work with large datasets efficiently?
The Action Builder is optimized for SharePoint's data handling capabilities and includes features for batch processing, pagination, and efficient data manipulation. Performance optimization techniques ensure smooth operation even with substantial datasets.
How do I troubleshoot failed actions in the Action Builder?
The Action Builder includes comprehensive logging and debugging tools. You can trace action execution, view error messages, monitor performance, and use testing modes to validate logic before deploying to production environments.
Can I schedule actions to run at specific times?
Yes, the Action Builder supports time-based triggers including scheduled execution, delayed actions, deadline reminders, and recurring tasks. You can create sophisticated time-based workflows for routine business processes and maintenance tasks.
How reliable are the Action Builder automations for business-critical processes?
The Action Builder automations run on SharePoint's enterprise infrastructure with built-in error handling, retry logic, and audit trails. You can set up monitoring and logging to ensure reliable execution of business-critical processes.
What external systems can the Action Builder connect to?
The Action Builder can connect to any system with REST APIs, including CRM systems, ERP platforms, databases, web services, and third-party applications. HTTP requests, authentication handling, and data transformation are all configurable through the visual interface.
Can the Action Builder handle loops and conditional logic?
Yes, the Action Builder includes sophisticated control structures like loops, conditional statements, error handling, and complex decision trees. You can create advanced business logic that rivals traditional programming while maintaining the simplicity of visual configuration.
How does the Action Builder compare to Power Automate?
The Action Builder runs natively within SharePoint without requiring separate licensing or flow limits. Unlike Power Automate, there are no premium connector fees, execution quotas, or complex trigger configurations - everything works seamlessly within your existing SharePoint environment.
What types of automations can I create with the Action Builder?
The Action Builder enables you to create complex automations including email notifications, data calculations, approval workflows, document generation, team notifications, external system integrations, scheduled tasks, and conditional business logic without coding.
Package & Publish
How does the template system work in skybow Studio?
skybow's template system allows you to create reusable solution blueprints from successful projects. Templates capture forms, workflows, list structures, and business logic, which can then be used as starting points for new projects. This accelerates development and ensures consistency across similar solutions. Learn more on our dedicated page.
How do I track deployment history and changes?
Package and Publish maintains comprehensive deployment logs, version histories, and change tracking. You can audit who deployed what, when, and track the evolution of solutions over time for compliance and troubleshooting.
What backup and recovery options are available?
Every deployment creates automatic backups of the target environment state, enabling quick rollback if issues arise. You can also create manual snapshots before major changes for additional safety.
Can I schedule automated deployments?
Yes, Package and Publish supports scheduled deployments for maintenance windows, phased rollouts, and automated testing scenarios. This enables DevOps practices and reduces manual deployment overhead.
How does Package and Publish handle permissions and security?
The platform captures and recreates permission structures while respecting target environment security policies. You can define security templates and ensure consistent access controls across all deployments.
What validation occurs before solution deployment?
The publishing process includes pre-deployment validation checking for conflicts, missing dependencies, permission requirements, and compatibility issues. This prevents deployment failures and ensures smooth solution rollouts.
Can I create solution templates for reuse?
Yes, you can create reusable templates from successful deployments that serve as starting points for new projects. Templates can include best practices, standard configurations, and industry-specific customizations.
How do I handle updates to existing deployed solutions?
Package and Publish supports incremental updates, allowing you to deploy only changed components while preserving existing data and user configurations. Version tracking ensures you can identify and rollback changes if needed.
What happens during the packaging process?
The packaging process captures all solution components including list structures, form configurations, workflows, permissions, sample data, and dependencies. This creates a complete snapshot that can be reliably deployed to any compatible SharePoint environment.
Can I deploy skybow solutions to multiple SharePoint tenants?
Yes, Package and Publish supports multi-tenant deployment, making it ideal for organizations with multiple Office 365 tenants or partners who need to deploy solutions to client environments while maintaining version control and consistency.
How does Package and Publish help with solution deployment?
Package and Publish allows you to bundle complete solutions including forms, workflows, lists, permissions, and content into deployable packages. This enables consistent deployment across development, testing, and production environments with rollback capabilities.