Microsoft Launches 'Flow' Workflow Service Management App for iOS

[MacRumors]

Microsoft yesterday launched a management app for its online workflow service and IFTTT competitor, called Flow.

For those unfamiliar with the idea, services like IFTTT let you connect different digital platforms and automate actions between them, like having all Gmail attachments save to a Dropbox account, or making every new entry added to a contact list sync to a Google spreadsheet.

Flow first debuted in April as a web service for creating workflows for two or more cloud services, simplifying things like file synchronization and data organization. But Flow also supports a number of other triggers, like receiving a text message when a particular person emails you, or automatically following a Twitter account that mentions your business in a tweet and adding it to a database.

With the launch of the iOS app, Flow now supports workflow options for more services, but keeps the focus on integrations with Microsoft's own business tools, such as Office 365, Dynamics CRM, PowerApps, and Yammer. Automation for business-related services like MailChip, GitHub, Salesforce, and Slack are also supported.

The iOS app lets users manage existing 'flows' created from the web service, allowing users to disable them, view their properties, and generate error checking reports to ensure they're working properly. There's also a searchable activity feed in the app that shows all recent Flow actions, which can be tapped to get more details on.

The app also supports push notifications for trigger issues, and Microsoft promises it will soon include the ability to create new workflows without having to sign into the web-based service.

Microsoft Flow is a free download for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Microsoft Launches 'Flow' Workflow Service Management App for iOS

 

[Sheza]

And in what way is this better than IFTTT?

 

[Glassed Silver]

And in what way is this better than IFTTT?

I assume Microsoft doesn't let IFTTT get as integrated into their applications and services as they do allow their own service Flow.

Just a guess though, could be wrong.

Personally I use IFTTT and it's amazing.
They constantly add new services too, and by that I mean: great services and almost biweekly.

Only thing I wished was a little more actions or triggers for some services.
Youtube for example is kind of restricted.

Glassed Silver:mac

 

[Three141]

Sounds good to me as someone who will might makethe switch back to IOS but will still be using MS software/services.

 

[sMiK]

Microsoft yesterday launched a management app for its online workflow service and IFTTT competitor, called Flow.

For those unfamiliar with the idea, services like IFTTT let you connect different digital platforms and automate actions between them, like having all Gmail attachments save to a Dropbox account, or making every new entry added to a contact list sync to a Google spreadsheet.

Flow first debuted in April as a web service for creating workflows for two or more cloud services, simplifying things like file synchronization and data organization. But Flow also supports a number of other triggers, like receiving a text message when a particular person emails you, or automatically following a Twitter account that mentions your business in a tweet and adding it to a database.

With the launch of the iOS app, Flow now supports workflow options for more services, but keeps the focus on integrations with Microsoft's own business tools, such as Office 365, Dynamics CRM, PowerApps, and Yammer. Automation for business-related services like MailChip, GitHub, Salesforce, and Slack are also supported.

The iOS app lets users manage existing 'flows' created from the web service, allowing users to disable them, view their properties, and generate error checking reports to ensure they're working properly. There's also a searchable activity feed in the app that shows all recent Flow actions, which can be tapped to get more details on.

The app also supports push notifications for trigger issues, and Microsoft promises it will soon include the ability to create new workflows without having to sign into the web-based service.

Microsoft Flow is a free download for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Microsoft Launches 'Flow' Workflow Service Management App for iOS

Good idea. Doesn't work. Logged in, and it just spins the loading wheel on every screen. Pure microsoft quality

 

[ctachme]

Good idea. Doesn't work. Logged in, and it just spins the loading wheel on every screen. Pure microsoft quality

Sorry you're seeing this issue - if you're still interested in checking it out you can fix this by signing in via the web portal: https://flow.microsoft.com/en-us/#home-signup

... And then restarting the app.

 

[r03dz]

It's a great idea but I think this is more so focused on individuals who primarily use Microsoft products (enterprise). The number of supported applications is not nearly as matured as IFTTT. I do love the office support though.

 

[Tom88]

They're showing a lot of confidence by using a screenshot that includes a failed run in their promo image

 

[r03dz]

They're showing a lot of confidence by using a screenshot that includes a failed run in their promo image

Doesn't necessarily mean Microsoft failed. You could have changed the login for one of your services. It's showing that you will receive the correct notification when something isn't running properly.

 

[Tom88]

Doesn't necessarily mean Microsoft failed. You could have changed the login for one of your services. It's showing that you will receive the correct notification when something isn't running properly.

Agreed - but I think marketing images should probably show happy paths rather than edge case errors

 

[trajano]

Note that this would not work with a personal account (e.g. @live.com), it requires a business account.