Need more clarity regarding what can be done in Outlook using SPFX/Teams app

[stevebeauge]

What type of issue is this?

Documentation issue / typo

What SharePoint development model, framework, SDK or API is this about?

💥 SharePoint Framework

Target SharePoint environment

SharePoint Online

What browser(s) / client(s) have you tested

• [ ] 💥 Internet Explorer
• [X] 💥 Microsoft Edge
• [ ] 💥 Google Chrome
• [ ] 💥 FireFox
• [ ] 💥 Safari
• [ ] mobile (iOS/iPadOS)
• [ ] mobile (Android)
• [X] not applicable
• [ ] other (enter in the "Additional environment details" area below)

Additional environment details

• browser version
• SPFx version
• Node.js version
• etc

Issue description

The recent SPFX releases have introduced the promise of integrating SPFX web parts into Outlook and the M365 app using the Teams app. This involves a somewhat intricate stack with Teams apps residing in SharePoint and running within Outlook.

However, the current documentation lacks precision regarding the achievable functionalities. I've explored various sources, such as:

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/spfx/office/overview#create-microsoft-teams-apps-for-outlook-and-office
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/platform/m365-apps/overview (not SPFX-related)
• https://pnp.github.io/blog/post/spfx-08-spfx-powered-teams-solutions-outlook-office/

Unfortunately, many community videos and blog posts I've come across are outdated, with features that are no longer available (e.g., missing "addin" entries in Outlook). Examples include:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl4zu9YeeRA
• https://www.spdoctor.com/articles/Building_an_Office_Add-in_using_SPFx.html

Some references even mention missing documentation pages, likely connected to the previously generated "officeAddin.xml" file.

Our company has successfully built an SPFX solution functioning seamlessly in Teams (both static tab and compose extension). In Outlook, the static tab remains unchanged, but the compose extension doesn't work. Although the button appears, no action occurs, and there's no discernible feedback or error.

We're uncertain about the continued feasibility of retrieving attachments from an SPFX web part.

In summary, could you provide clarification on the capabilities we can anticipate when using SPFX in Outlook? If the sole entry point is the left bar (static tabs), the practicality of the model seems limited.

Appreciate your assistance. Related GitHub Issue? #9402

[ghost]

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