Something new came out just a few weeks ago. We now have the ability to connect LIVE to a SQL Database and use Power Query to create our Query that will later be used in our Power BI Desktop. This is simply AMAZING!! this uses the new SSAS Tabular engine in Direct Query mode, but we can't add Measures, Calculated Fields or Calculated Tables...yet. This should be a fairly simple request. Please let us add our measures so we can create the Model that we need in real time :)
35 Comments
- Hi everyone. This has actually been available for a while, sorry we never updated the Idea! You can write some DAX functions even in Direct Query mode. The functions that are supported vary by data source, but Intellisense will 'prompts' you with only the valid options are you enter your formulas. Please note it's not the same as creating measures over connection to Analysis Services models - we're still working on that, you can add support for that here: https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/11685723-create-calculated-measures-on-top-of-a-live-ssas-c Thanks for voting!
- Yes, this is crucial.
- elliotdixon
Responsive Resident
I agree with all. Either need Direct Query to have the ability to use measures or need the Enterprise Gateway updated so it can send information online far more often (every second) - Completely agree - this is really an important feature!
- DavidMoss
Advocate V
Yes developing the Semantic model in PBdesktop with Direct Query data is a must step going forward...the sooner the better. I too would allocate 500 votes to this if i could. - Without this feature we can't develop Enterprise ready PowerBI deployments. Large customers are looking for low latency highly scalable BI solutions and today they are using Tableau and the wide variety of fast databases that have exploded on the scene in the last 3-4 years. if i could add 500 votes for this i would. PowerBI with this feature will be unstoppable when used in conjunction with Azure SQL DB and CCI's.
- 100% agree. If I had a 40 votes button, I'd invest here!
- Nice to have SSAS MD support but cannot take full use of PowerBI until this feature is available.
fbrossardKudo Commander
Every direct connect use cases on sql (azure or on-prem) are very limited. Please make our Power BI our SSAS cloud SaaS solution to accelerate the adoption of Azure Sql DBs for a BI use.
mstefancikAdvocate IV
I agree with others. SSAS or SQL Server live connection and ability to create additional measures is must have and will provide us ability to create business production ready solution.
