Standard vs Premium Connectors
Standard vs Premium Connectors in Microsoft Power Platform
Microsoft Power Platform uses connectors to connect Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio, and Azure Logic Apps with external services, data sources, applications, and APIs. Connectors help apps and flows communicate with other systems such as SharePoint, Outlook, Dataverse, SQL Server, Salesforce, Teams, Excel, and many other services.
Connectors are important because they decide how a Power Platform solution connects to data and services. They also affect solution design, licensing, governance, security, and cost. Microsoft documentation explains that the connector reference provides information about connectors available for Power Automate, Power Apps, and Azure Logic Apps, and identifies whether a connector is a Premium connector for Power Automate and Power Apps or a Standard connector for Azure Logic Apps. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
In simple words, Standard Connectors are commonly available connectors generally used for everyday productivity and Microsoft 365-based scenarios, while Premium Connectors are advanced or enterprise-level connectors that may require additional Power Platform licensing depending on the app, flow, user, and licensing model.
1. What are Standard and Premium Connectors?
Standard and Premium connectors are categories used to classify connectors in Power Platform. This classification helps makers and administrators understand whether a connector is included in common usage rights or whether additional licensing may be required. Microsoft’s connector reference overview allows connectors to be filtered by Standard and Premium tier. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
| Connector Type | Simple Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Connector | A connector commonly used for basic productivity, collaboration, and standard business scenarios. | SharePoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams. |
| Premium Connector | A connector generally used for advanced, enterprise, database, external system, or premium service integration. | SQL Server, Salesforce, SAP, some Dataverse scenarios, custom APIs. |
2. Why Understanding Standard vs Premium Connectors is Important
Understanding the difference between Standard and Premium connectors is important because connector selection can affect licensing, solution cost, deployment planning, governance, and user access. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ discusses apps that use premium connectors such as SQL Server and explains that apps may show a premium designation when premium connectors are involved. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
Microsoft’s Power Platform licensing overview states that Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio, and Power Pages licenses provide users the ability to create and run apps, bots, flows, and websites across multiple data sources that extend beyond Microsoft 365, such as Salesforce and on-premises or custom data sources. It also states that those product licenses include access to Dataverse to store and manage data. [3](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/pricing-billing-skus)
| Why It Matters | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Premium connectors may require additional licensing depending on usage rights. | An app using SQL Server may require premium licensing. |
| Cost Planning | Connector choice can affect the total cost of a solution. | A simple SharePoint app may cost less than a SQL-integrated app. |
| Governance | Admins must control which connectors are allowed in environments. | Block non-approved connectors using DLP policies. |
| Security | Connectors access business data, so security must be planned. | Prevent business data from being sent to personal services. |
| Solution Design | The connector type may influence whether the solution uses SharePoint, Dataverse, SQL, or APIs. | Use Dataverse for structured business apps and SharePoint for simple lists. |
3. Standard Connectors
Standard connectors are commonly used connectors for everyday productivity and collaboration scenarios. They are often used with Microsoft 365 services such as SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, Excel Online, OneDrive, Planner, and Forms. The connector reference overview from Microsoft allows connectors to be filtered by Standard tier. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
| Standard Connector | Common Use | Business Example |
|---|---|---|
| SharePoint | Work with lists, libraries, and documents. | Store leave requests in a SharePoint list. |
| Office 365 Outlook | Send emails and work with mailbox events. | Send confirmation email after form submission. |
| Microsoft Teams | Post messages and support collaboration. | Notify a team when a support ticket is created. |
| OneDrive for Business | Store and manage personal or business files. | Save generated documents to OneDrive. |
| Excel Online | Read or write data stored in Excel files. | Update a small tracking sheet from a flow. |
| Microsoft Forms | Work with form responses. | Create a flow when a form response is submitted. |
4. Premium Connectors
Premium connectors are typically used for advanced, enterprise, database, CRM, ERP, cloud, API, or business-critical integrations. Microsoft’s connector reference overview marks whether a connector is a Premium connector for Power Automate and Power Apps. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
Microsoft Power Automate licensing documentation states that with a Power Automate Premium user license, users gain capabilities including premium connectors, process and task mining, AI Builder, Managed Environments usage, and Microsoft Dataverse storage. [4](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/power-automate-licensing/types)
| Premium Connector Type | Common Use | Business Example |
|---|---|---|
| Database Connectors | Connect with enterprise databases. | Read inventory data from SQL Server. |
| CRM/ERP Connectors | Connect to enterprise business systems. | Sync customer data with Salesforce or SAP. |
| Advanced API Connectors | Connect to APIs and custom services. | Call a payment gateway API. |
| Custom Connectors | Connect to custom REST or SOAP APIs. | Connect to internal HR or payroll API. |
| Enterprise Service Connectors | Connect to systems used for large-scale business operations. | Integrate with ServiceNow or Workday-style systems. |
5. Standard vs Premium Connectors: Main Difference
The main difference between Standard and Premium connectors is not only technical. It also affects licensing and governance. Microsoft’s connector reference overview provides a connector classification and includes information about whether connectors are Premium for Power Apps and Power Automate. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
| Comparison Area | Standard Connectors | Premium Connectors |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Purpose | Productivity, collaboration, and common business tasks. | Enterprise, database, API, CRM, ERP, and advanced integrations. |
| Common Examples | SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Forms. | SQL Server, Salesforce, SAP, custom connectors, advanced APIs. |
| Licensing Impact | Often included in common Microsoft 365-based scenarios. | May require Power Platform premium licensing depending on scenario. |
| Complexity | Usually simpler to use for basic apps and flows. | Often used for more complex business-critical integrations. |
| Governance Need | Still requires governance and DLP planning. | Requires stronger licensing, security, and DLP planning. |
6. Standard Connector Example: SharePoint Leave Request App
A simple leave request app can be built using standard connectors if the data is stored in SharePoint and notifications are sent through Outlook or Teams.
| Requirement | Connector | Connector Type |
|---|---|---|
| Store leave request records. | SharePoint | Standard |
| Send email to manager. | Office 365 Outlook | Standard |
| Post approval notification. | Microsoft Teams | Standard |
This type of solution is suitable for small or medium internal productivity scenarios where SharePoint is sufficient as the data source.
7. Premium Connector Example: SQL-Based Inventory App
If an app or flow needs to connect to an enterprise database such as SQL Server, the connector may be categorized as premium. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ specifically mentions SQL Server as an example of a premium connector in the context of premium connector licensing. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
| Requirement | Connector | Connector Type |
|---|---|---|
| Read inventory quantity from database. | SQL Server | Premium |
| Update stock after order confirmation. | SQL Server | Premium |
| Notify warehouse team. | Microsoft Teams | Standard |
This type of solution is more enterprise-focused because it connects directly with a database system and may require additional licensing and security planning.
8. Licensing Impact of Premium Connectors
Connector licensing should always be checked before designing or deploying an app or flow. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ discusses apps using premium connectors and states that after removing premium connectors from an app, the app must be published for the premium designation to update. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
Microsoft’s Power Platform licensing overview states that product licenses provide the ability to create and run apps, bots, flows, and websites across multiple data sources that extend beyond Microsoft 365, such as Salesforce and on-premises or custom data sources. [3](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/pricing-billing-skus)
| Scenario | Possible Licensing Consideration |
|---|---|
| App uses only SharePoint and Outlook. | Usually considered a standard connector scenario, but licensing should still be verified based on tenant and user rights. |
| App uses SQL Server. | May require premium licensing because SQL Server is discussed by Microsoft as a premium connector example. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq) |
| Flow uses custom connector. | May require premium licensing because custom connectors are generally treated as premium capabilities in Power Platform licensing contexts. |
| Flow connects to Salesforce. | Microsoft licensing overview mentions Salesforce as an example of a data source beyond Microsoft 365. [3](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/pricing-billing-skus) |
9. How to Check Whether a Connector is Standard or Premium
Microsoft provides a connector reference overview that summarizes key information about connectors for Power Automate, Power Apps, and Azure Logic Apps. The connector reference page indicates whether a connector is available in products, whether it is preview, and whether it is premium for Power Automate and Power Apps. It also allows filtering connectors by tier, including Standard and Premium. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
| Check Area | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Reference | Check connector tier and product availability. | Confirms whether connector is listed as Standard or Premium. |
| Power Apps App Details | Check whether the app shows a premium designation. | Helps identify premium connector usage. |
| Power Automate Flow Details | Check connectors used in the flow. | Helps identify licensing needs before sharing or production deployment. |
| Admin/License Review | Review user and environment licensing. | Prevents deployment issues and user access problems. |
10. Standard vs Premium in Power Apps
In Power Apps, connector type affects whether users can run an app under existing rights or whether they need additional entitlement. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ discusses users accessing apps that use premium connectors and explains premium designation behavior after premium connectors are removed and the app is saved and published. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
| Power Apps Scenario | Connector Type | Possible Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas app using SharePoint list. | Standard | Suitable for many Microsoft 365 productivity scenarios. |
| Canvas app using SQL Server. | Premium | May require premium licensing. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq) |
| Canvas app using custom connector. | Premium capability scenario | Requires licensing review before deployment. |
| Model-driven app using Dataverse. | Premium/platform licensing scenario | Requires appropriate Power Platform/Dynamics licensing planning. |
11. Standard vs Premium in Power Automate
Power Automate flows can use both Standard and Premium connectors. Microsoft Power Automate licensing documentation states that Power Automate Premium gives users the full set of capabilities for cloud and desktop automation, including premium connectors. [4](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/power-automate-licensing/types)
| Power Automate Scenario | Connector | Connector Type |
|---|---|---|
| Send email when a SharePoint item is created. | SharePoint + Outlook | Standard connector scenario. |
| Update SQL row after approval. | SQL Server | Premium connector scenario. |
| Call internal HR API. | Custom Connector | Premium/custom integration scenario. |
| Connect to enterprise CRM. | Salesforce-style connector | Premium/enterprise integration scenario. |
12. Decision Guide: Which Connector Should You Use?
Choosing between Standard and Premium connectors depends on business requirement, data source, security, scalability, licensing, and governance. The connector should be selected based on the actual system you need to connect with, not only based on cost.
| Requirement | Recommended Connector Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Simple internal list-based app. | Standard | SharePoint or Microsoft 365 connectors may be enough. |
| Enterprise database integration. | Premium | SQL/database connectors are commonly premium scenarios. |
| Advanced CRM or ERP integration. | Premium | Enterprise systems often require premium connectors. |
| Custom company API integration. | Custom Connector | Needed when no prebuilt connector exists. |
| Simple email and Teams notification. | Standard | Outlook and Teams are common productivity connectors. |
13. Governance and Data Loss Prevention
Connector governance is very important because connectors can move business data between systems. Admins should use governance policies to decide which connectors are approved, restricted, or blocked in different environments.
Microsoft’s connector reference overview supports filtering connectors by tier and other categories, helping admins and makers review connector classification before use. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
| Governance Practice | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Create approved connector list | Define which connectors are allowed for business solutions. | Allow SharePoint, Outlook, Dataverse; review external services. |
| Use DLP policies | Control which connectors can be used together. | Prevent business data from flowing to unapproved services. |
| Separate environments | Use different policies for Dev, Test, and Production. | Allow experiments in Dev but restrict Production. |
| Review premium usage | Check apps and flows using premium connectors. | Audit SQL or custom connector usage before deployment. |
14. Real-Life Example: Standard Connector Solution
A small internal task tracking app can often be designed using standard connectors.
| Requirement | Connector | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Store task list. | SharePoint | Suitable for simple list-based tracking. |
| Send email reminders. | Office 365 Outlook | Useful for notification workflows. |
| Post task update. | Microsoft Teams | Useful for team collaboration. |
15. Real-Life Example: Premium Connector Solution
A company may need a Power App that reads inventory from SQL Server and sends updates to a business system. In that case, premium licensing and connector governance should be reviewed before building the production solution. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ mentions SQL Server as an example premium connector. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
| Requirement | Connector | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Read inventory data. | SQL Server | Database integration scenario. |
| Update stock quantity. | SQL Server | Requires database write operation. |
| Notify warehouse team. | Microsoft Teams | Collaboration notification. |
16. Best Practices for Standard and Premium Connectors
| Best Practice | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Check connector tier before building | Know whether the connector is standard or premium before development. | Check Microsoft connector reference before using SQL Server. |
| Plan licensing early | Premium connectors may affect who can run the app or flow. | Review user licensing before sharing a premium app. |
| Use the right data source | Do not choose SharePoint only to avoid licensing if Dataverse or SQL is required for business needs. | Use Dataverse for structured relational business apps. |
| Apply DLP policies | Protect business data from being moved to unapproved services. | Separate business and non-business connectors. |
| Document connector usage | Maintain a list of connectors used in each solution. | Leave App uses SharePoint, Outlook, Teams. |
| Review apps before production | Check premium designation, connector access, and security before go-live. | Test whether all users can open the app. |
17. Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Using premium connector without license planning | Users may not be able to run the app or flow. | Check licensing before implementation. |
| Assuming all Microsoft connectors are standard | Connector classification can vary by service and product. | Check the Microsoft connector reference. |
| Ignoring DLP policies | Data may flow to unapproved services. | Use governance and DLP controls. |
| Choosing connector only based on cost | Solution may not meet business needs or scalability requirements. | Choose connector based on data, security, and functionality needs. |
| Not publishing app after removing premium connector | App may still show premium designation. | Microsoft FAQ states that after removing premium connectors, the app must be published for designation to update. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq) |
18. Mini Project: Compare Standard and Premium Connector Designs
This mini project helps students understand how connector choice affects solution architecture.
Scenario
Create a request management solution in two ways: one using standard connectors and one using a premium connector.
| Design | Connectors Used | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Design | SharePoint, Outlook, Teams | Simple internal request tracking. |
| Premium Design | Dataverse or SQL Server, Outlook, Teams | Structured enterprise request management with stronger data model or database integration. |
Learning Outcome
- Students understand that connector choice affects licensing and architecture.
- Students learn that standard connectors are useful for simple productivity scenarios.
- Students learn that premium connectors are useful for enterprise, database, API, and structured business scenarios.
- Students learn to check connector tier before designing a production solution.
19. Interview Questions and Answers
Q1. What are Standard connectors?
Standard connectors are connectors commonly used for Microsoft 365 productivity, collaboration, and common business scenarios. Microsoft’s connector reference lets users filter connectors by Standard tier. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
Q2. What are Premium connectors?
Premium connectors are connectors identified as premium for Power Apps and Power Automate in Microsoft’s connector reference. They are often used for advanced, enterprise, database, CRM, ERP, or custom integration scenarios. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
Q3. Why does connector type matter?
Connector type matters because it can affect licensing, solution cost, user access, governance, and deployment planning. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ discusses premium connector designation and apps using premium connectors such as SQL Server. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
Q4. Give examples of Standard connectors.
Common examples include SharePoint, Office 365 Outlook, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, Excel Online, and Microsoft Forms. These are commonly used for productivity and collaboration scenarios.
Q5. Give examples of Premium connector scenarios.
Premium connector scenarios include connecting to SQL Server, Salesforce-style CRM systems, SAP-style ERP systems, custom APIs, and advanced enterprise services. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ specifically mentions SQL Server as a premium connector example. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
Q6. How can we check if a connector is Standard or Premium?
Microsoft’s connector reference overview summarizes connector information and provides filtering by tier, including Standard and Premium. It also identifies whether a connector is premium for Power Automate and Power Apps. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
Q7. What happens if a Power App uses a premium connector?
A Power App using a premium connector may require appropriate premium licensing for end users depending on the licensing model. Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ discusses apps with premium connectors and premium designation behavior. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
Q8. Why should premium connectors be planned carefully?
Premium connectors should be planned carefully because they may affect licensing, governance, security, and production readiness. Microsoft Power Automate licensing documentation states that Power Automate Premium includes premium connectors. [4](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/power-automate-licensing/types)
Q9. What is a custom connector?
A custom connector is used when a required service or API is not available as a prebuilt connector. Microsoft connector documentation explains that custom connectors are function-based connectors built for tailored scenarios. [5](https://bing.com/search?q=Power+Platform+connectors+reference+standard+premium+connectors+Microsoft+Learn)
Q10. Should we always avoid Premium connectors?
No. Premium connectors should not be avoided if the business requirement needs them. The correct approach is to plan licensing, security, governance, and architecture before using them.
20. Student-Friendly Summary
| Concept | Easy Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Connector | Connector commonly used for basic productivity and collaboration scenarios. | SharePoint, Outlook, Teams. |
| Premium Connector | Connector used for advanced, enterprise, database, API, or business-critical integration. | SQL Server, Salesforce, SAP, custom connector. |
| Licensing Impact | Premium connectors may require additional licensing. | SQL Server connector usage may need premium licensing. |
| Governance | Controls which connectors can be used safely. | DLP policy blocks risky connector combinations. |
| Connector Reference | Microsoft list where connector tier and availability can be checked. | Filter connectors by Standard or Premium. |
21. Quick Revision Points
- Power Platform connectors are classified by tier, including Standard and Premium. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
- Standard connectors are commonly used for productivity and collaboration scenarios.
- Premium connectors are commonly used for enterprise, database, CRM, ERP, API, and advanced integration scenarios.
- Microsoft’s connector reference shows whether a connector is premium for Power Apps and Power Automate. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
- Microsoft’s Power Apps licensing FAQ mentions SQL Server as a premium connector example. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
- Microsoft Power Automate Premium includes premium connectors among its capabilities. [4](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/power-automate-licensing/types)
- Apps using premium connectors may need appropriate premium licensing depending on the licensing model. [2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/powerapps-licensing-faq)
- Always check connector tier, licensing, security, and DLP policy before production deployment.
Conclusion
Standard and Premium connectors are important categories in Microsoft Power Platform integration. Standard connectors are commonly used for everyday productivity and collaboration scenarios such as SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Excel Online, and Forms. Premium connectors are usually used for advanced enterprise scenarios such as SQL Server, CRM, ERP, APIs, custom connectors, and business-critical integrations.
The difference between Standard and Premium connectors is important because it affects licensing, governance, security, cost, and solution architecture. Microsoft’s connector reference overview identifies connector tier and whether connectors are premium for Power Automate and Power Apps. [1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/connector-reference/)
For simple internal apps, standard connectors may be enough. For structured enterprise applications, database integrations, custom APIs, and advanced business systems, premium connectors may be required. The best practice is to check connector tier, review licensing, apply DLP policies, document connector usage, and test the solution before production deployment.
A good Power Platform maker should not choose connectors only based on cost. The correct connector should be selected based on business requirements, data structure, security, scalability, licensing, governance, and long-term maintainability.