Best practice for location and referencing of data files

[PBIM]

HI

I have managed a 'proof of concept' by setting up a pbix file and associated xml data files on the c drive of the computer where the enterprise Power BI gateway has been installed.

However, as I roll this out in my establishment, I ideally want to move the pbix file(s) onto an exisiting network driev but want the xml data files to remain where they are and I'd create a new network drive so that I can access them as needs be.

To save any confusion with drive letters and data connections and sources, am I right in saying that I should change all source references in Power Query to use a UNC?  Or is it still possible - and maybe more efficient? - to have the data connections referring to the C Drive but the Power Query in the pbix file referrring to the files using the network drive?  

I'm thinking that if I did the latter then, if I were to save and publich from PBI Desktop, it would muck up the connections.

Please can someone advise on best practice here.

Many thanks

[djurecicK2 · Accepted solution]

I have not used UNC that much myself, but you do need to have the same path to the data source on the desktop and the gateway machine. So using c:\... in PBI desktop will give an error on service refresh if the gateway does not have the files in its c:\... folder.

If the local desktop and the gateway machine are both using \\server-name\path you should not get an error with service refresh through the gateway.

Also a mapped network drive will not work, so looks like UNC is the way to go for you.

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Service/Enterprise-Gateway-mapped-network-drive-issue/m-p/...

[PBIM]

OK.  Thanks.  Will try that.  Accepting as solution for now....

[djurecicK2]

Hi @PBIM ,

 I agree with your statement below. If possible, you could also look at using OneDrive or Sharepoint online.

I'm thinking that if I did the latter then, if I were to save and publich from PBI Desktop, it would muck up the connections.

[PBIM]

Thank you.  Unfortunately, my establishment is not yet into SharePoint or OneDrive so I don't want to introduce anything new that will confuse but you're probably right in that that is the best way to go.

However, given that I won't immediately be going down this route is UNCs my second best - only?- choice?

Presumably, on the server, a UNC pointing to itself is not prolematic or a particular detrimet to performance?

Tahnks in advance for any further confirmation you (or someone else) are able to provide on that front.