Using Power BI with Azure MySQL

[cyclist007]

Hi,

We are considering MySQL in Azure as a primary data source. While I understand there is a straightforward way to connect to MySQL in Azure via Power BI Desktop, I want to to understand the following:

1. would the other connection related features (direct query, scheduled refreshes, the new incremental refresh, etc.) have similar behaviour to MS SQL in Azure?

2. Are there any other factors/experiences with respect to using MySQL would be important limitations to using Power BI with Azure MySQL? Other broader implications of using MySQL?

Trying to learn from others experience - so any relevant suggestions/experiences/articles would help. Thanks in advance.

[cyclist007 · Accepted solution]

I just found out it does not support direct query 😞 ... does anyone know of workarounds and any other limitations/issues.

Request you to support the following ideas related to MySQL:

https://ideas.powerbi.com/ideas/idea/?ideaid=f2bcf6ef-2f88-41c5-98aa-ae1ecc1f83ed

https://ideas.powerbi.com/ideas/idea/?ideaid=1673aa83-99c0-4f2c-9e04-6eef0122aa2c

[v-yingjl · Accepted solution]

Hi @cyclist007 ,

As your mentioned, power bi doesn't support direct query mode to connect to mysql currently.

Have voted for these ideas.🙂

1. Configure scheduled refresh is simliar with other data sources, you need a gateway to configure. Incremental refresh is also simliar. You can refer these documents:
   • Configure scheduled refresh 
   • Incremental refresh in Power BI 
2. About other details about mysql in power bi, you can refer these articles:
   • PowerBI With MySQL: Connection Challenges And Alternatives 
   • MySQL and Power BI, How Does It Work? 
   • PowerBI to MySQL 

You can also pay close attention to document about what's new and planned for Power BI.

Best Regards,
Yingjie Li

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

[cyclist007]

@v-yingjl Thanks for voting and the articles shared. Surprisingly there is little new stuff on this topic.

Also, i dont see MySQL direct query in the roadmap and considering that idea is still in "New" stage (and is 3 years old), there is no point having any hopes it will happen soon.

I haven't explored Incremental refresh - if it can get close to making data live it might work. In my use case I expect the report/dashboard to be opened only a few times a day but it needs to have the latest data whenever its viewed. And direct query not being available seems to be a serious limitation (combined with the fact the data transfer is not secure).

[cyclist007 · Accepted solution]

I just found out it does not support direct query 😞 ... does anyone know of workarounds and any other limitations/issues.

Request you to support the following ideas related to MySQL:

https://ideas.powerbi.com/ideas/idea/?ideaid=f2bcf6ef-2f88-41c5-98aa-ae1ecc1f83ed

https://ideas.powerbi.com/ideas/idea/?ideaid=1673aa83-99c0-4f2c-9e04-6eef0122aa2c