Report Server Configuration manager - connect to PostgreSQL server and database

[IuteJV]

Hi

Seems like a really simple task, but unfortunately, this is my first time setting up PowerBI RS. I am having issues making the database connection in the configuration manager to our PostgreSQL database. 
In the configuration manager in the "Database" section one can only go to "Change Database" button, after that a new prompt appears with "Create a new report server database", "Choose an existing report server database". Since I don't have any database present, I would go with the first one. --> Create a new report server database.

After that a page appears (see below), when I try to input the PostgreSQL server IP there I get an error.

I know I am doing something wrong, can somebody possibly provide some steps/actions to take to completly configure the database connection.

[d_gosbell]

This is because the Report Server catalog database needs to be installed on a Microsoft SQL Server instance, you cannot put that database on Postgres.

[IuteJV]

@d_gosbell I get that part. I will install MSS instance to faciliate RS catalog. I initially thought, that maybe we can add postgre as a source in the RS as well, but that is not happening.
My question is now more about, when I use Postgre as a db source for reports. How would the refresh work in the RS. I have currently created a ODBC connection to access postgre db for my reports. But not sure how the refresh would work or would not work.

[d_gosbell · Accepted solution]

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@IuteJV wrote:

My question is now more about, when I use Postgre as a db source for reports. How would the refresh work in the RS. I have currently created a ODBC connection to access postgre db for my reports. But not sure how the refresh would work or would not work.

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So you don't configure data sources for the report through the configuration manager, you just add them directly in your report. Postgres is listed as a supported data source here Power BI report data sources in Power BI Report Server - Power BI | Microsoft Learn so it should work fine. Note that you may need to install the NgpSQL 4.0.10 provider on the server - I don't use Postgres so I'm not sure if that is included in the server install. see Power Query PostgreSQL connector - Power Query | Microsoft Learn 

ODBC is also supported on Report Server, but you will need to make sure the same driver is installed on the client machines for building reports and on the server so it can run the refreshes.

[IuteJV]

Thank you! Much appreciated! 

[IuteJV]

Could anyone please clarify the following:
How the refresh process/setup would look like when using PostgreSQL db as a source? In PBI one would have a gateway to access the database and run the refreshes on. But for PBIRS I would assume I would need to access postgre db using ODBC to have the refresh running? Would that be correct? Do you also know any limitations on using said approach, aka the number of refreshes running at the same time, etc.

[lbendlin]

Wait what - are you trying to run PBIRS on PostGreSQL?  I think only SQL Server is supported.

[IuteJV]

Yes, the idea was to have the data in PostgreSQL and then build PowerBI reports from that datasource. But if PostgreSQL is not supported for PBIRS, can I still connect to that datasource and will it refresh like it would with a SQLServer db?

[lbendlin]

Sure, but keep in mind these are two very (VERY) different concepts. Make sure you are clear on what you are trying to achieve.

[IuteJV]

Can you perhaps elaborate, how the refresh process/setup would look like? In PBI could you would have a gateway to access the database and run the refreshes on. But for PBIRS I would assume I would need to access postgre db using ODBC to have the refresh running? Would that be correct? Do you also know any limitations on using said approach, aka the number of refreshes running at the same time, etc.