CloudConnection completly available for dataflow Gen2

[XCT]

Hi,

It would be very pertinent to allow connection from a DataflowGen2 to source through a CloudConnection. Currently it's only possible via GIT (CI/CD) but it will help a lot for data analysts who don't use GIT.

[miguel]

Hi!

Could you further tell us about your scenario and what sort of experience you're envisioning? Is the idea that you want to remotely connect to a Dataflow? or just being able to see the contents of the Dataflow similarly to how it happens through Git?

[XCT]

Hi @miguel! The idea is quite basic: just be able to connect my DataflowGen2 to a cloud source such as Snowflake through a CloudConnexion. This must be accessible on the interface. Currently it's not possible, we need to re create a specific connexion.

[miguel]

Apologies. I'm not sure I follow.

You are able to create cloud connections today in Dataflow Gen2. By not using a gateway, you are fundamentally creating a cloud connection to your source.

You can read more about the types of connections that Dataflow and other items support through the documentation below:

Data source management - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

Let us know if perhaps you're looking for something different. If you're having issues trying to create a cloud connection, please share some repro steps so we can take a closer look at your scenario.

[XCT]

Yes I know how to create a cloud connection in the Service. We use them every days! These cloud connections can be shared easily with other users and are very useful in terms of security and practicality. And can be selected easily in the semantic model settings for example (with a list of shared one)...However it's impossible to select them in the connection settings of a DataflowGen2...Or I've missed something. I hope I am enough clear.

[miguel]

You can select them in the Dataflow Gen2 🙂 

Whenever you choose a connector, you'll have 2 sections:

1. Connection settings
2. Connection credentials

Its in this second section where you'll be able to create the cloud connection. For example, if I use the SQL Server connector and I type the server and database, if I already have a connection to it then it would then be available in the dropdown list:

but as you can tell from the screenshot, you are still able to create a new connection. Fundamentally these are cloud connections unless you bind a gateway within this "connection credentials" section.

If you are having any issues creating a cloud connection, please share some repro steps so we can dig deeper as to what might be happening, but in principle cloud connetions are supported by Dataflow Gen2 and you can absolutely create them within the Dataflow Gen2 experience.

Will be declining this idea as this functionality is already supported, but feel free to reply so we can dig deeper into your scenario and what might be happening.

[XCT]

it's now OK as you describe. Is it a new feature ? I don't remember this functionality last September. Thanks!