Forum Discussion
New to Power Bi. Confusing with our setup, suggestions needed.
Hi everyone,
I'm new to Power Bi, and have only tested the free version to see if it was something for us. The product looks very exciting and I would like your help to understand how the setup can be implemented correct in my organization. To be clear, im not that interested in the cloud services, since our data (as everyones) is very strictly classified.
About us: Today we have 4 different data sources, each of which has its own SQL database, and on each server as well. They are all independent from each other. All 4 data sources are physically on our network, and can only be accessed by one on the internal network. We are about 10 super users, and in addition, 50 ordinary users.
The 10 of us would like to be the ones to make data sets, reports, dashboards etc. and publish it out to the rest team so they can see it on their dashboards, or see the reporst etc.
The 4 data souces are updated severel times during the day, and the interval would aprox. be every 1 hour. The 50 users should see these data sets, reports and thus make their own either from scratch or by continuing to work with them we have created to them.
Could the following setup be a solution to the above:
a) Install a new "central" SQL database server where all data from the four data sources will be replicated into the "central" sql database either via WebServices, .csv file etc. transfer with sftp for example.
b) On this "central" SQL database, install Power BI Enterprise bridge, and set it up.
c) Install Power BI desktop pro at the 10 super users local machine, and get them connected to the Power BI bridge.
d) Install Power BI desktop on the other 50 users local machine, and get them connected to the Power BI bridge.
Would the above setup work?
Will the price be, 10xsuper users power bi desktop pro? Or would it cost me total 60 Power Bi pro license? Or would these 50 users be free?
In addition, of course license to the central MS SQL database server, plus O.S etc.
Thanks!
zubair No, not to my knowledge. Couple other things (GA, General Availability) for SQL 2016 is June 1st, I am not aware of any restrictions on data sources, so using SSAS as a datasource - a PBI Desktop file to create reports and "sharing" that in you SSRS portal should most definetely be a valid scenerio.
12 Replies
By Enterprise bridge, are you referring to the Enterprise Gateway or to SQL Server 2016 Power BI integration?
I was actually referring to the gateway, wasnt aware about this SQL Server 2016 Power BI integration product.
What does this do? I assume this can replace the gateway product?Actually, it sort of replaces the Service. Basically, in the upcoming version of SQL Server 2016, you can make it your on-premises report publishing platform. I believe the only solution for that today is Pyramid Analytics Server but it is coming in SQL Server 2016. Might make more sense to go that route versus the gateway and the Service for highly classified data.
zubair If you don't intend to use the Power BI Service at all (i.e. not publishing reports), then you don't even need a gateway or bridge as you call it.
Based on your post, it sounds like the super users would develop the reports and then share the reports as PBIX files throughout the organization?
If your intention is the above, you won't even need Power BI Pro licenses. The Pro license is mainly for the Power BI Service, all development through Power BI Desktop is free.
Your assumptions is almost correct. The idea of simply just sharing the files are very tempting, but i would also needs these reports to the updated/refreshed freq. As my understanding goes, the free version or local files will not do that?
