botframework-sdk: [Skype for Business] HTML message formatting inconsistencies (macOS vs Windows)
Bot Info
- SDK Platform: Node.js
- SDK Version: BotBuilder 3.11.0
- Active Channels: Skype for Business
- Deployment Environment: ngrok
Issue Description
Documentation indicates that we can send messages with html and it will format properly on the SFB channel. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/bot-framework/nodejs/bot-builder-nodejs-message-create
However, we are seeing dramatic inconsistencies from one platform to another using the same code. Looking for guidance on how to develop and format our messages for Skype for Business so that macOS/iOS will also render html.
We’d like to use the HTML format we are seeing in Skype for Business on windows. When the same code is rendered in macOS, it shows just raw html
Code Example
Not setting textFormat, using the default “markdown”.
Setting it to “xml” yields no noticeable change.
response.text is just raw text with html tags, looks similar to what is shown in macOS screenshot below.
var customMsg = new builder.Message(session).text(response.text);
session.send(customMsg);
Expected Behavior
SKYPE for BUSINESS
(windows client)
Actual Results
SKYPE for BUSINESS
(macOS client update 16.12.77)
About this issue
- Original URL
- State: closed
- Created 7 years ago
- Comments: 30 (12 by maintainers)
From the contact we’ve had with MS SFB Team, there is no formatting supported, should be all done in markdown which also does not really do much. The html that works on PC via Bot Framework is also not recommended. It does not seem to be a priority to fix SFB as MS wants everyone to transition to MS Teams which is much more versatile. Granted this is not always an easy option with enterprises and legacy systems, so we have come to the conclusion to treat our bots on SFB more like SMS. Make your copy concise with single turn actions to keep it light and conversational. Throw in an emoji or 2 at best. Good luck.
Reopened. Labeled as bug.
@brienmorton I am not aware of a work around, nor am I aware of a timeline or if this bug is even a priority for Skype for Business. Skype for Business Bots are in preview and edge case issues like this are apparently not very high priority. I wish there was something I could do to help, but there’s not. I’m sorry.
No updates. Was recommended to just go straight markdown, but as you may already know the SFB client on Mac doesn’t seem to even render markdown bold or italics either. Wondering if there will ever be an update or if there is an intention to make it better.
I received them and have forwarded them to the sfb team, I will let you know as soon as I hear something.
@JasonSowers sent
Thank you for reporting I will ping the Skype for business team.