Intro:
With lot of foucs on operation efficiency with businesses, the commitment to enhancing workflows, elevating productivity, and reducing manual operations is driving the inevitable rise in the utilization of Low-Code platforms. The Power Platform provides both Cloud and Desktop automation solutions. Each serves diverse automation requirements, and comprehending their differences is crucial for selecting an option that meets the unique needs of a business.
Comparision:
Features / Maturity
Cloud Flows
Power Automate Desktop
Notes
Work Flow Orchestration
Super Efficient – with lot of connectors
Can only trigger cloud flow
UI Automation
Matured with UI task.
Enables user to capture and replay user interactions and work with local files and folders
Extensibility with Connectors
Enable to build custom connectors for API’s
Limited action due to Desktop environment.
Security – Data / Process compliance control
Can be managed via DLP policies and Azure AD . Need more configuration effort
Very useful to have specific controls as its based on VMs
Power Automate Desktop operates on the local system, which can be a boon for companies with stringent security and data privacy needs. Because the data processing happens on the local infrastructure, the sensitive data never has to leave the user’s environment, minimizing exposure to external risks.
API Extension
Does not inherently interact with APIs
Easy of Scaling
Scaling is limited to the capacity of the local machine and network
Cost
Development Speed / Time to Market
Quick development with cloud flow templates and a trigger-action model
Power Automate Desktop: May offer faster development for local desktop tasks without the need for cloud integration
Out of Box Templates and other Platform Integration
Plenty out of box template
Strong Operating Model – Control / Governance
Managed at local level .
Support for In-depth Reporting and Analytics
VM based hence more telemetry available
Learning / Up Skilling – Citizen Developer
Training may focus more on RPA and desktop-specific tasks. Scripting knowledge preferrable
Closing Remarks:
The Cloud version is a great example of how cloud-based systems can work together. It makes automation easy and helps connect and simplify business tasks like never before. On the other hand, Power Desktop is a powerful tool for Robotic Process Automation (RPA). It gives users the ability to handle and master complex local tasks using advanced features. Choose carefully, because this choice could unlock your business’s full potential. Every workflow could improve how your business operates and every task could become a symbol of efficiency.
References:
1) Desktop
2) Cloud
