Creating Database for Users Without Access to SQL Server

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have a PBI file that connects directly to a SQL server for multiple tables. However, I have multiple users that would like to build on this same database, but do not have access to that SQL server. Is there a clever way to enable these users to access the same database via Power BI without them having access to the SQL server?

Thank you in advance for your help. 

[sebastiangestia · Accepted solution]

Hi,

When you use PBI Desktop to connect to SQL Server you must include the login information (data source settings), so each instance of PBI Desktop (on different PC/LT) has to use this information and you must provide it; so you need access through SQL Server authentication (because I understand they can't use windows authentications because they don't have access). 

They could develop in the powerbi.com service, using a Dataset previously connected to the data source... 

Regards

[v-xicai · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous ,

If users need to build report based on SQL Server database, the data source credentials must be provided, and then the access to SQL Server database is required. So there is no other way to implement your demand currently.

Best Regards,

Amy 

Community Support Team _ Amy

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[sebastiangestia · Accepted solution]

Hi,

When you use PBI Desktop to connect to SQL Server you must include the login information (data source settings), so each instance of PBI Desktop (on different PC/LT) has to use this information and you must provide it; so you need access through SQL Server authentication (because I understand they can't use windows authentications because they don't have access). 

They could develop in the powerbi.com service, using a Dataset previously connected to the data source... 

Regards

[Greg_Deckler]

@Anonymous - Possibly. When you say "connect directly" do you mean DirectQuery?

If it is DirectQuery, they should be able to use a PBIX file and create measures.