Difference between SAS cube and Relational Data sources for Power BI

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

We have two different data sources available to consume by Power BI. These contains the same data.

1. SQL Server relational data source

2.  Analysis Services - Cube

I have created separated .pbix files by making Live connections to each data source separtely. I found some differences in the .pbix file which was connected to Analysis services.

1. Relationship tab is not visible

2. Cannot create new column

3. Initially when making the connection to analysis services, it did not give the Import option

As i am new to Analysis services, please confirm if above differences are expected. And also if there is any guide which explains these differences.

Many thanks.

[v-jiascu-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

Please refer to desktop-directquery-about#power-bi-connectivity-modes. In short, most work of the live connection is done in the Server side. That's why there are more restrictions of live connection than of direct query. 

Regarding item 3, you can import the SSAS cube. Please refer to the snapshot below. 

Best Regards,
Dale

[Anonymous]

Hi @v-jiascu-msft

Thanks for your reply.

I have gone through the link shared by you. Thanks for that.

I am working with SSAS cube, when i am adding the server name, i do not get any option for for direct query.

Is that mean, with  SSAS cube datasource we get only two options - Import and Connect Live. But not the Direct Query.

Thanks and regards.

[v-jiascu-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

You are right. Live connection and Direct Query are similar but two different modes. To SSAS, only Live is available. 

Best Regards,
Dale