Microsoft Power BI on Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Power BI is a Business Intelligence platform that enables data analysis, visualization, and reporting for companies of any size. The solution consists of Power BI Desktop (free desktop tool), Power BI Service (cloud service), and Power BI Mobile Apps.
Power BI enables business users to independently conduct data analyses without relying on IT teams (Self-Service BI). Through hundreds of data connectors, data from various sources can be integrated. AI-powered features like Q&A (questions in natural language) and Quick Insights make data analysis accessible even for non-analysts.
For companies with GDPR requirements, Power BI is available in European regions and offers granular data protection and governance functions.
Typical Use Cases
Executive dashboards: Real-time overview of business KPIs with automatic updates and drill-down capabilities for decision makers.
Sales analytics: Pipeline visualization, forecasting, and performance tracking for sales teams with mobile dashboards for field service.
Financial reporting: Automated monthly and quarterly reports with integration of ERP systems (SAP, Dynamics 365) and Excel data.
Operational intelligence: Real-time monitoring of production data, IoT sensors, or logistics processes with alerting on deviations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Power BI
What is the difference between Power BI Pro and Premium?
Power BI Pro (approximately €10/user/month) is designed for individual users and small teams. Power BI Premium (from approximately €5,000/month) offers dedicated capacity, larger datasets, advanced AI features, and enables sharing reports with users without Pro licenses.
Can Power BI connect to on-premises data sources?
Yes, through the Power BI On-Premises Data Gateway, local data sources like SQL Server, SAP, or file shares can be securely connected. The gateway also enables scheduled refresh of on-premises data.
How does integration with Excel work?
Power BI uses the same engine as Excel Power Query and Power Pivot. Excel workbooks can be published directly in Power BI. Additionally, Power BI datasets can be analyzed in Excel (Analyze in Excel).
Which data sources are supported?
Power BI offers over 500 connectors for data sources, including: SQL databases, Azure Services, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Analytics, SAP, Oracle, REST APIs, Excel, CSV, and many more.
Can I create custom visualizations?
Yes, in addition to standard visualizations, custom visuals can be added from the AppSource Marketplace or own visuals can be developed with the Power BI Visuals SDK.
How secure is data in Power BI?
Power BI offers Row-Level Security (RLS), Azure AD Integration, Multi-Factor Authentication, encryption at rest and in transit, as well as compliance certifications (ISO 27001, SOC, HIPAA, GDPR).
Can Power BI integrate with Azure Synapse and Databricks?
Yes, Power BI integrates seamlessly with Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks, and other Azure Data Services. DirectQuery enables live queries of large datasets without data import.
Alternatives
alternatives:
- provider: “aws” product: “quicksight”
- provider: “gcp” product: “looker”
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you in implementing Power BI for data analysis and business intelligence. We help with data modeling, dashboard development, governance concepts, and integration into existing system landscapes.
Contact us for a non-binding consultation on Microsoft Power BI.
