Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst AssociateDeploy and maintain assetsMedium
A data analyst has created a new Power BI dataset and report that sources data from a new Azure SQL Database. The analyst publishes the report to a Power BI workspace. To ensure that the report can connect to the Azure SQL Database in the Power BI Service, what type of Power BI asset needs to be configured?
- AA Cloud Connection (Gateway)
- BA Personal Gateway
- CAn On-premises Data Gateway
- DA Power BI Dataflow
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A Cloud Connection (Gateway)
For cloud data sources like Azure SQL Database, Power BI Service can connect directly, but this connection needs to be configured as a 'Cloud Connection' or 'Gateway' (even though no actual gateway software is installed). This involves providing credentials and defining the connection within the Power BI Service settings.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Personal Gateways are for individual users to connect their own on-premises data, not for shared workspace reports connecting to cloud sources.
- C. On-premises Data Gateways are for connecting to data sources within a private network, not cloud sources like Azure SQL.
- D. A Power BI Dataflow is for data preparation and transformation, not for establishing the fundamental connection to a source database.
Power BI Cloud Connection
A configured connection within Power BI Service that allows datasets to access data from cloud-based data sources, such as Azure SQL Database.
- For cloud data sources only (e.g., Azure SQL, Azure Blob Storage).
- No gateway software required.
- Configured directly in Power BI Service.
Memory trick: Cloud needs a cloud connection, on-prem needs a bridge.