Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst AssociateDeploy and maintain assetsEasy

A financial services company uses Power BI to report on highly sensitive customer portfolio data. They need to ensure that when a Power BI dataset is refreshed, the connection to the on-premises SQL Server database is always secure and that the credentials are not embedded directly in the Power BI Desktop file. Which component is specifically designed to handle secure on-premises data connections and credential management for Power BI service refreshes?

  1. AAzure Data Lake Storage
  2. BPower BI App
  3. CPower BI Dataflow
  4. DPower BI Gateway
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Power BI Gateway

The Power BI Gateway acts as a bridge between the Power BI service and on-premises data sources. It securely transfers data and manages credentials for scheduled refreshes without exposing them directly in the PBIX file.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Azure Data Lake Storage is a cloud storage solution, not an on-premises connectivity component.
  • B. A Power BI App is used for content distribution, not data connectivity or credential management.
  • C. Dataflows are for data preparation and transformation in the cloud, not for secure on-premises connectivity.

On-premises Data Gateway

The Power BI On-premises Data Gateway acts as a secure bridge, providing quick and secure data transfer between on-premises data sources and Microsoft cloud services like Power BI.

  • Required for scheduled refreshes of on-premises data.
  • Manages data source credentials securely.
  • Encrypts data in transit.

Memory trick: Gateway Guards On-premises Gold.

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