Premium connector in Power Automate and Power Apps: what makes it premium

Introduction

Premium connectors have become a key part of the Microsoft Power Platform environment, especially when working with Power Automate and Power Apps. If your organization is looking for ways to make business processes more efficient or automate complex tasks, it’s worth considering the differences between standard and premium connectors. Premium connectors are designed to help you connect with enterprise-level services, boost your technical capabilities, and, yes, they do have an impact on your project’s licensing and budget. For many businesses, especially those aiming to modernize how they operate and connect with a variety of systems beyond just Microsoft 365, premium connectors are essential.

In the last few years, the push for stronger automation and easier connections between cloud and on-premises systems has really taken off. This is often due to the need to bring together data from different sources, run more efficient operations, or keep up with compliance rules in regulated industries. Premium connectors step in here by offering secure, scalable, and reliable links between the Power Platform and a wide range of mission-critical applications. For organizations in sectors like healthcare, finance, or government, it’s important to know that premium connectors can support compliance with standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2, which adds a lot of value if you need to meet strict regulatory requirements.

To fully leverage the potential of premium connectors in your automation projects, consider collaborating with our power platform consulting services. We can assist you in navigating the intricacies of premium and standard connectors, ensuring you make the most out of your investment.

What is a Premium Connector in Power Automate and Power Apps?

A premium connector is basically a specialized integration tool within Microsoft Power Automate and Power Apps, giving you access to advanced data sources, enterprise applications, or cloud services that aren’t available through standard connectors. Here’s the key takeaway: while standard connectors come included with most Microsoft 365 and Power Platform plans, premium connectors need a separate license because they offer more powerful features and access.

Premium connectors are built to let you connect with major business applications like Salesforce, SAP, Azure services, SQL Server, Dynamics 365, DocuSign, and others. If your organization needs to build custom connectors for unique or third-party systems that don’t already have a connector, those are also considered premium and require the same kind of licensing. The “premium” label means you get advanced features, stronger security, and better performance—ideal for organizations facing complex integration challenges.

It’s important to know that premium connectors aren’t just about connecting to more systems. They’re also about the quality and dependability of those connections. For example, if you’re integrating with SAP or Salesforce, you’re likely dealing with sensitive customer or financial data, so you need robust authentication and strict authorization. Premium connectors are designed to meet these high standards, often supporting secure protocols like OAuth 2.0, SAML, and advanced encryption. Plus, Microsoft keeps updating the list of premium connectors, adding new services and adjusting to the changing needs of enterprise customers.

Key Features That Make a Connector Premium

Premium connectors stand out from standard connectors because of several features:

• Integration with Enterprise Systems: These connectors give you access to platforms like Dynamics 365, Salesforce, SAP, and advanced Azure services, making it possible to automate key business processes. For example, a business might use a premium connector to move sales leads from Salesforce into an internal Azure SQL database, providing real-time insights for sales and operations. In another case, a manufacturer could link SAP ERP data to Power Apps to simplify inventory management.

• Advanced Security and Compliance: Many premium connectors come with enhanced security, support for custom authentication, and compliance with enterprise requirements, which is crucial if you’re handling sensitive or regulated data. This might include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and detailed access controls. In healthcare, for instance, premium connectors support HIPAA compliance by ensuring only authorized users can transfer protected health information.

• Higher Throughput and Performance: If your organization needs to process large volumes of data or run mission-critical workflows, premium connectors offer higher data transfer rates, stronger triggers, and more reliable operations. Think of a financial services company handling thousands of transactions a day—premium connectors help keep things running smoothly and quickly, without lag or data loss.

• Custom Connector Support: Any time you build a custom connector to plug into a unique API or legacy system, it’s automatically classified as premium. This ensures your custom integrations enjoy the same security and performance as Microsoft’s own premium connectors. This is especially useful for businesses with one-of-a-kind applications or older systems that need to be part of your digital workflow.

• Expanded Trigger and Action Capabilities: Premium connectors often give you more advanced triggers and actions, allowing for more complex automation and coordination between systems. For example, a workflow could kick off in an ERP system when a purchase order is created, then update customer records in a CRM, send out notifications, and generate compliance reports—all automatically.

Premium vs Standard Connectors: What’s the Difference?

The main differences between premium and standard connectors come down to what you can connect to, the licensing you’ll need, and the technical features you get.

One thing to keep in mind is that Microsoft can change which connectors are considered standard or premium over time. For example, the SQL Server connector was once standard but later reclassified as premium, which affected licensing and access for many users. So, it’s important to stay up to date with these changes to keep your automation projects running smoothly and avoid any surprises.

Here’s a real-world example: some organizations used the SQL Server connector for business intelligence, but when it became premium, those teams had to review their licensing and budgets to prevent disruptions. This is a good reminder to keep an eye on connector status and plan ahead for licensing needs.

Licensing and Cost Considerations for Premium Connectors

Premium connectors come with their own licensing, separate from standard Microsoft 365 or Power Platform subscriptions. The main options are:

• Per-user plans: Let individuals use premium connectors across multiple apps and flows.
• Per-app plans: Make sense if only certain apps need premium features.
• Pay-as-you-go: Flexible for organizations with changing needs.

It’s worth considering that the cost of premium connector licenses can really affect your overall budget for automation and integration. You’ll want to evaluate your integration needs, how many users you have, and how much workflow activity you expect before choosing a plan. Also, if you need to use on-premises data gateways, that could add more complexity and cost.

Don’t forget: all custom connectors are premium, so if your organization is building its own integrations, you’ll need to factor that into your planning and budgeting.

For example, a global company rolling out Power Apps to different departments could select a per-app plan for teams with unique requirements and a per-user plan for IT staff who manage many flows. In industries with strict regulations, licensing decisions might also be shaped by compliance audits, which often require detailed records of which connectors are used and who has access. Microsoft offers a licensing calculator and guides to help you make the best choices and stay compliant.

Popular Premium Connectors: Examples and Business Use Cases

There are several premium connectors that are especially popular in enterprise automation and digital transformation projects. For instance:

• SQL Server and Azure SQL: Used to tie together on-premises or cloud databases with automated workflows, making real-time data movement and analytics possible.
• Salesforce connectors: Link Power Platform solutions with Salesforce CRM, helping automate processes in sales, service, and marketing.
• Dynamics 365 connectors: Make it easier to automate tasks across finance, operations, and customer service.
• SAP connectors: Support data exchange and process synchronization between SAP ERP systems and the Power Platform.
• DocuSign and Adobe Sign connectors: Help automate document management and digital signature workflows, making approvals a breeze.
• Azure services (Blob Storage, Event Grid, DevOps): Let you coordinate cloud resources and manage event-driven processes seamlessly.

These connectors are used for everything from automated approvals and data syncing to customer engagement, document processing, and business intelligence. By using premium connectors, organizations can connect different platforms, bring legacy systems into the digital fold, and respond faster to changing business needs.

To give you some concrete examples:

• A healthcare provider might use the Azure Blob Storage connector to securely archive patient records, which helps with HIPAA compliance and data protection.
• In finance, connecting Power Automate with SQL Server lets you set up real-time fraud detection by automating alerts based on transaction data.
• Retailers can tie Dynamics 365 to SAP to keep inventory and sales data in sync, which helps reduce stockouts and improve supply chain performance.

These cases show just how flexible and valuable premium connectors can be, no matter your industry.

How to Identify and Use Premium Connectors in Your Solutions

Knowing whether a connector is premium is one of the first things you should check when planning automation projects. Microsoft keeps an up-to-date list of premium connectors, including details on what actions and triggers they support.

When you’re building a flow or app in Power Automate or Power Apps, you’ll see connectors labeled as “Premium” in the selection panel. If you use one, the system will check your license, and you’ll need the right plan to activate and run those flows or apps.

Before you use a premium connector, make sure your licensing covers your intended use. If you’re creating custom connectors, you’ll also need to set up authentication, security, and data access policies following Microsoft’s guidelines. It’s always a good idea to test everything in a development environment first, so you can spot any issues and make sure your setup meets compliance, security, and performance standards.

In real life, an IT admin might look over the connector list before designing a solution to make sure licensing is in order and to avoid extra costs. If your organization has strict security requirements, you’ll want to set up role-based access controls and audit logs for premium connectors, making sure sensitive data is only available to the right people. Microsoft’s Power Platform Admin Center is a useful tool for tracking connector usage, managing licenses, and checking compliance, which really helps when managing large deployments.

Migration Tips: Moving from Standard to Premium Connectors

Sometimes, moving from a standard to a premium connector is necessary—maybe because Microsoft changed the classification, or your business needs have evolved. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Review your current solutions to see which flows and apps depend on connectors that are now premium or need those advanced features.
• Check the licensing implications. Figure out how many users and flows are affected, estimate the costs, and pick the best licensing model.
• Update your flows and apps as needed to handle premium connector authentication, triggers, or actions.
• Train your users and admins so they understand changes to licensing, access, and workflow management.
• Test everything thoroughly before going live to make sure your automated processes work as expected with the new connectors.

It’s always important to keep an eye on Microsoft’s updates about connector classifications to avoid any surprises and keep things running smoothly.

For example, if a global retailer finds out that several supply chain workflows are affected by a connector reclassification, the IT team would need to review all flows, prioritize which are most critical, budget for new licenses, and schedule training to minimize disruption. Staying in touch with stakeholders and using Microsoft’s migration guides can make this process much easier.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

If you’re adopting premium connectors, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. For instance, underestimating how many premium licenses you’ll need or not planning for future connector reclassifications can lead to unexpected costs or interruptions. If you skip over connector documentation, you might end up with security issues or misconfigured authentication.

To avoid these problems, here’s what you should do:

• Make it a habit to check Microsoft’s connector classification updates.
• Do a thorough licensing and cost analysis before starting your project.
• Set up strong governance and access controls for premium connectors.
• Train your team so everyone understands the licensing requirements and connector capabilities.
• Test all flows and apps that use premium connectors in a safe environment before rolling them out.

Staying proactive and communicating clearly with your team will help you get the most out of premium connectors while steering clear of costly mistakes.

It’s also a good idea to create a governance framework that includes regular audits of connector use and access rights. This not only helps you stay compliant with internal policies and regulations but can also help you optimize license allocation and cut unnecessary costs. If your organization is large or has complex needs, working with Microsoft partners or certified consultants can be a smart move. Plus, keeping a record of lessons learned from past migrations can help you be better prepared for future changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly makes a connector premium in Power Automate and Power Apps?

A premium connector lets you access enterprise-grade applications, advanced data sources, and offers extra technical capabilities that you won’t find in standard connectors. It requires a separate license and brings features like higher throughput, advanced triggers, and support for custom authentication.

How do premium connectors differ from standard connectors?

Premium connectors let you connect with a wider range of business systems, require extra licensing, and provide more advanced features and performance. Standard connectors come with Microsoft 365 and are more limited to basic Microsoft and third-party services.

Which connectors require premium licensing?

Connectors for services like SQL Server, Salesforce, Dynamics 365, SAP, DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and all custom connectors need premium licensing. Microsoft keeps an updated list of these connectors in their official documentation.

How much do premium connectors cost?

Costs depend on the licensing model you choose—per-user, per-app, or pay-as-you-go. It’s best to check Microsoft’s current documentation for the latest pricing details.

Can I use a premium connector with a standard Microsoft 365 license?

No, premium connectors need a separate Power Platform premium license. They’re not included in standard Microsoft 365 plans.

What happens if I use a premium connector without proper licensing?

Flows or apps using premium connectors won’t run unless the right premium license is assigned. If you try to use them without the correct license, you may run into access restrictions or service interruptions.

How can I tell if my solution uses premium connectors?

Premium connectors are marked as “Premium” in the Power Automate and Power Apps connector lists. Just check which connectors your flows or apps use to see if you need a premium license.

Are custom connectors always premium?

Yes, every custom connector in Power Automate and Power Apps is automatically classified as premium and requires premium licensing.

What should organizations consider when migrating to premium connectors?

Take stock of your current usage, review licensing and cost impacts, update your technical setup, and provide training to ensure the migration goes smoothly. Staying up to date on connector classification changes is definitely recommended.

For organizations in highly regulated industries or with complex IT setups, it’s a good idea to check in with your legal and compliance teams before rolling out premium connectors. That way, you can be sure your data handling and integration practices follow all the necessary laws and standards. Microsoft regularly updates its compliance resources and offers guidance to help you use premium connectors securely and responsibly in your automation strategies.