Power BI connecting to ML model located in Azure Container Instance

[RRay]

Hello,

We are using Azure Machine Learning Service to create a predictive model. This takes a value as input and outputs the predicted value. The model gets deployed as a Docker image in Azure Container Instance (ACI), and we have been able to query the model and predict results via Python notebooks (ML Service workspace).

We need to access this model from Power BI: pass a parameter value using What-If Analysis and make a request to the model and get the predicted value as response.

Is there a way in which this can be done? Is it possible to connect to ACI from Power BI?

Thanks!

[ashvin]

As per Nov 2019 update there is a way to import Machine learning models into PowerBI. Please check this

[v-yulgu-msft]

Hi @RRay,

Based on my research, Power BI doesn't support such a data connector that can directly connect to Azure Container Instance. In my opinion, you may need to get the data model via API or export data from ACI to other file or database where Power BI can fetch data from. Besides, for your requirement that to pass What-If parameter to source data to filter records is not supported right now.

Regards,

Yuliana Gu

[RRay]

Hi @v-yulgu-msft,

Thanks.

Can you please explain how we could get a reference to the model in ACI via an API?

[v-yulgu-msft]

Hi @RRay,

Honestly, I am not familiar with API, I would suggest you contact Azure Container Instance support team to consult whether it supports to or how to extract the data model in ACI.

Regards,

Yuliana Gu