Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer AssociateImplement and manage semantic models (30-35%)Medium
A data architect is designing a semantic model in Microsoft Fabric. The model will be consumed by various reports, some of which require real-time data, while others can tolerate slightly stale data. The data source is a large Azure SQL Database with frequent updates. You need to ensure optimal performance for all reports while minimizing refresh times and resource consumption. Which storage mode should you configure for the semantic model?
- AMixed (Import and DirectQuery)
- BImport
- CDirectQuery
- DDirect Lake
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Mixed (Import and DirectQuery)
Mixed mode, combining Import and DirectQuery, allows certain tables or partitions to be imported for performance-critical reports and others to use DirectQuery for real-time needs, providing flexibility and optimization.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Import mode provides fast performance but requires regular refreshes and consumes more memory.
- C. DirectQuery provides real-time data but can suffer from slower query performance due to direct database queries.
- D. Direct Lake mode is optimized for large datasets in OneLake but may not be suitable for all real-time scenarios from Azure SQL Database.
Mixed Storage Mode
A semantic model storage mode in Microsoft Fabric that combines Import and DirectQuery modes, allowing different tables or partitions to use different storage types.
- Offers flexibility for performance and data freshness.
- Allows some tables to be imported for speed, others to be DirectQuery for real-time.
- Balances performance, data freshness, and resource consumption.
Memory trick: Mix and match for the perfect data recipe.