What is Bonzai 2?
Understanding the modern SharePoint intranet solution.
Overview
Bonzai 2 is a SharePoint Framework (SPFx) solution that provides a suite of 21+ web parts for building modern intranet experiences on SharePoint Online. It represents a complete architectural transformation from the legacy Bonzai platform.
Key Differentiator
Unlike the legacy Bonzai which required external AWS infrastructure (Brick administration, Cognito authentication, DynamoDB storage, CloudFront CDN), Bonzai 2 runs entirely within SharePoint Online.
Architecture Comparison
Classic Bonzai Architecture
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CLASSIC BONZAI │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Browser → SharePoint Classic → Brick (AWS) │
│ - Cognito Auth │
│ - DynamoDB │
│ - Lambda │
│ ↓ ↓ ↓ │
│ bonzai.min.js Master Pages CloudFront CDN │
│ (from CDN) Page Layouts (S3 bucket) │
│ - JS/CSS assets │
│ - Theme files │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Modern Bonzai 2 Architecture
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MODERN BONZAI 2 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Browser → SharePoint Online (Everything Here!) │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ │
│ │ Modern Pages│ │ App Catalog │ │ Office 365 CDN │ │
│ │ │ │ (.sppkg) │ │ (automatic) │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ Data: SPHttpClient REST API │
│ Config: Property Pane (native SharePoint) │
│ Auth: SharePoint only (no external auth) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Technology Stack
| Layer | Classic Bonzai | Bonzai 2 (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| UI Framework | jQuery + Handlebars | React 17 + Fluent UI |
| Build System | Gulp + custom scripts | SPFx toolchain (Gulp + Webpack) |
| Data Access | JSOM (JavaScript Object Model) | SPHttpClient REST API |
| Query Language | CAML | OData REST queries |
| Styling | CSS from CDN | SCSS Modules + CSS Custom Properties |
| Configuration | Property Bags + Brick settings | Property Pane controls |
| Deployment | CDN upload via Brick | App Catalog .sppkg upload |
| Hosting | AWS CloudFront CDN | Office 365 CDN (automatic) |
Key Benefits
1. No External Infrastructure
All code runs within SharePoint. No AWS accounts, no Cognito credentials, no CDN configuration. This dramatically simplifies deployment and reduces operational overhead.
2. Instant Theming
Theme changes apply immediately via CSS Custom Properties. No more waiting 5-15 minutes for CDN propagation. The Theme Manager web part provides on-page customization with real-time preview.
3. Native SharePoint Integration
Uses SPFx framework, Fluent UI components, and REST APIs. Configuration through native property panes with dropdown pickers for lists and views.
4. Mobile-First Responsive Design
All web parts are responsive by default. No separate mobile templates needed.
5. Dark Mode Support
Built-in dark mode toggle with consistent theming across all web parts.
Target Audience
- IT Administrators: Deploy and manage the solution
- Content Editors: Create and configure pages
- Site Owners: Customize web parts and theming
- End Users: Access the modern intranet experience
Requirements
- SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365)
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5, SharePoint Online Plan 1/2, or equivalent
- SharePoint Administrator permissions (for deployment)
- Modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari)