In the ever-evolving landscape of business intelligence and data analytics, Microsoft Power BI has emerged as a dominant force. One of the key features that has significantly contributed to its success is the XMLA (XML for Analysis) endpoint. This technology has undergone a remarkable evolution and plays a pivotal role in enabling advanced analytics and reporting capabilities in Power BI. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the evolution of the XMLA endpoint, why it is important, when to use it.
Introduction to XMLA
XMLA, standing for XML for Analysis, is a standard protocol used for connecting and interacting with analytical data sources such as OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes and tabular models. It was first introduced by Microsoft as a part of the SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). XMLA provided a standardized way to communicate with multidimensional and tabular models, making it easier for developers and tools to work with analytical data.
How XMLA Endpoint in PowerBi Works
Now that we understand the evolution, importance, and when to use the XMLA endpoint in Power BI, let's delve into how it works:
Enablement: To use the XMLA endpoint, you must have Power BI Premium or Premium Per User (PPU) licensing. The XMLA endpoint can be enabled at the dataset level in Power BI. Workspaces assigned to a capacity have a connection string in URL format. For example:
powerbi://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/[tenant name]/[workspace name].
Connectivity: Once enabled, you can connect to the XMLA endpoint using tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Visual Studio, or Power BI Desktop.
Data Manipulation: With XMLA endpoint v2, you can perform read and write operations on Power BI datasets. This means you can create, update, or delete data within your datasets, providing more flexibility for data manipulation.
Integration: The XMLA endpoint in PowerBi allows seamless integration with other BI tools, data modeling solutions, and data preparation processes. This integration enhances the overall analytics ecosystem within an organization.
Client applications and tools
Common Client tools supported by Power BI Premium datasets:
Microsoft Excel
Visual Studio with Analysis Services projects
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Power BI Report Builder
Tabular Editor
DAX Studio
Unsupported datasets
The following datasets aren't accessible by using the XMLA endpoint. These datasets won't appear under the workspace in SSMS or in other tools:
Datasets based on a live connection to an Azure Analysis Services or SQL Server Analysis Services model.
Datasets based on a live connection to a Power BI dataset in another workspace.
Datasets with Push data by using the REST API.
Datasets in My Workspace.
Excel workbook datasets.
Admin Control for XMLA Endpoint in PowerBi
Admin can control access XMLA setting, can limit to read only, write , none can done.
Major Limitations
At this time, a write operation on a dataset authored in Power BI Desktop prevents it from being downloaded back as a PBIX file. Be sure to retain your original PBIX file.Conclusion
XMLA endpoints offer new possibilities for solutions, like using Power BI datasets as data models for other visualization tools such as Tableau. They enable control, management, and monitoring of datasets through client tools, facilitating ad hoc querying. Moreover, XMLA endpoints allow more flexibility with refresh operations, removing the 48-refreshes-per-day limitation and the scheduled refresh timeout. Eliminating the limitation on downloading as PBIX files would be a significant enhancement.