How to Build an Enterprise Governance Platform Using Microsoft 365, Azure, and React

Modern enterprises require governance platforms that are secure, scalable, and deeply integrated with their existing digital environment.

Many organizations attempt to build custom platforms using disconnected tools, resulting in security gaps, poor performance, and high maintenance costs.

The Microsoft ecosystem provides a powerful foundation for delivering enterprise-grade governance platforms when combined with modern frontend technologies such as React and Next.js.

At DCX Transform, we leverage Microsoft 365, Azure, and modern web frameworks to deliver governance systems that balance flexibility with compliance.

Introduction: Why the Microsoft Ecosystem Matters

A successful enterprise governance platform should reduce operational friction while improving security, compliance, and audit readiness. Microsoft 365 and Azure provide a mature foundation for that outcome, as long as architecture and ownership are intentionally designed.

The Enterprise Governance Challenge

Organizations managing policies, procedures, and standards face common challenges:

• Fragmented document repositories
• Inconsistent approval processes
• Weak auditability
• Poor user experience
• Security and compliance risks

A successful governance platform must address all these challenges while remaining adaptable to future requirements.

Core Components of a Modern Governance Platform

1. Microsoft Entra ID – Identity and Access Management

Microsoft Entra ID provides centralized authentication and authorization.

It enables:

• Single Sign-On (SSO)
• Role-based access control
• Conditional access policies
• Secure API authentication

This ensures that only authorized users can access governance functions.

2. SharePoint Online – Secure Document Repository

SharePoint Online serves as the foundation for document storage and version management.

Key capabilities include:

• Enterprise-grade security
• Automatic versioning
• Metadata management
• Compliance controls
• Backup and recovery

Users interact with documents through a custom portal, while SharePoint operates securely in the background.

3. Microsoft Graph – Unified Integration Layer

Microsoft Graph provides a unified API for accessing Microsoft 365 services.

Through Graph, governance platforms can:

• Upload and manage documents
• Update metadata
• Control permissions
• Retrieve audit information
• Integrate workflows

This allows seamless communication between custom applications and Microsoft services.

4. Azure App Services and APIs – Business Logic Layer

Azure App Services or Azure Functions host backend services that manage:

• Workflow logic
• Approval rules
• Security validation
• Integration orchestration

This layer isolates business logic from storage and presentation.

5. React and Next.js – Modern User Interface

React and Next.js provide the foundation for building responsive and scalable enterprise portals.

Benefits include:

• Component-based architecture
• High performance
• Server-side rendering (Next.js)
• API integration
• Security best practices

This enables consistent user experience across devices.

Reference Architecture Overview

A typical governance platform architecture includes:

Authentication is handled by Entra ID across all layers.

Implementing Secure Authentication and Authorization

The platform uses modern authentication patterns:

• Authorization Code Flow with PKCE
• Token-based API security
• Role-based access policies

This ensures secure access without exposing sensitive credentials.

Designing Workflow and Lifecycle Management

Workflow management is implemented at the application layer.

Typical lifecycle:

Draft → Review → Approval → Publish → Archive

The backend enforces:

• State transitions
• Role validation
• Approval sequencing
• Audit logging

This approach provides flexibility beyond standard automation tools.

Integrating Document Editing with Microsoft Word Online

Documents stored in SharePoint can be edited using Microsoft Word for the web. The portal generates secure editing links, allowing users to edit documents without accessing SharePoint directly.

This preserves a familiar editing experience while maintaining governance controls.

Ensuring Compliance and Auditability

Compliance is embedded through:

• Automatic versioning
• Approval history
• Metadata validation
• Retention policies
• Reporting dashboards

These features support internal and external audits.

Scalability and Performance Considerations

The Microsoft ecosystem supports enterprise scalability through:

• Azure auto-scaling
• CDN integration
• Caching layers
• Load balancing

This enables governance platforms to support thousands of concurrent users.

The DCX Transform Implementation Approach

At DCX Transform, our delivery methodology includes:

• Governance assessment
• Architecture design
• Rapid POC development
• Stakeholder validation
• Incremental rollout
• Continuous optimization

This reduces risk and accelerates adoption.

Business Benefits of a Microsoft-Based Governance Platform

Organizations benefit from:

• Reduced infrastructure overhead
• Improved security posture
• Faster time-to-market
• Lower operational costs
• Seamless Microsoft 365 integration
• Future-ready architecture

Conclusion: Building Sustainable Governance Platforms

Combining Microsoft 365, Azure, and modern web technologies enables organizations to deliver governance platforms that are secure, scalable, and user-centric.

When implemented correctly, these platforms become strategic assets that support compliance, transparency, and organizational performance.