Forum Discussion
Dynamically display on-premise SQL data in Excel spreadsheet hosted in SharePoint
365Questions If I understand you correctly, you want to just use an excel file "as-is" and not load it in to Power BI.. You can do that, and the Excel file can be connected to a datasource. The only caveat is that the Excel file needs to be on OneDrive.
More detail here
Otherwise you have the option to pull that data in to Power BI via the desktop or Service. The Desktop will allow you to create a seperate model to bring in other data sources etc... Hope that answers your Q.
Is this same capability in the new Power BI? How does one go about getting the "old" Power BI for Office 365 if they are purchasing for the first time? It appears the only option is to purchase the new Power BI in the portal.
365Questions Even if you could get the old version, I would suggest you don't go that route because it will be an excercise in futility. The old version is being phased out and you have to migrate to the new version by Dec 31st.
Ok, thanks that's good to know.
What about the functionality that allows for Excel files hosted in SharePoint Online to query on on-premise SQL server, is that an option in the new Power BI?
I see this quote stating external data sources available for workbooks: "SQL Server data that is available in the Power BI Admin Center (this requires a subscription to Power BI for Office 365 and an administrator to configure the connection)" at this link. But that is a little too vague and am looking to clarify (EG, can I access the database or does it have to analysis services, etc). Thanks
365Questions If I understand you correctly, you want to just use an excel file "as-is" and not load it in to Power BI.. You can do that, and the Excel file can be connected to a datasource. The only caveat is that the Excel file needs to be on OneDrive.
More detail here
Otherwise you have the option to pull that data in to Power BI via the desktop or Service. The Desktop will allow you to create a seperate model to bring in other data sources etc... Hope that answers your Q.