Can I use a BIM file created using SSDT to create a new PBI push dataset ?

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I am new to the concept of Push datasets as described by Microsoft in the following link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/power-bi/push-datasets/datasets-post-dataset-in-group

Therefore, please excuse my ignorance.

The REST API documentation - while it does specify the schema, does not clearly state how to create the schema. 

Question

Can I use Visual Studio to create a new Analysis Server project and then use the model.bim file as an input to the REST API?

Thanks,

Sau

[v-kkf-msft]

Hi @Anonymous ,

You can install Sqlbi.PbiPushTools cmdlet in PowerShell, it can create, maintain, and test a push dataset model.

Then refer to these documents to implementing real-time updates in Power BI using push datasets created by a BIM file.

https://www.sqlbi.com/articles/implementing-real-time-updates-in-power-bi-using-push-datasets-instead-of-directquery/ 

If the problem is still not resolved, please provide detailed error information or the expected result you expect. Let me know immediately, looking forward to your reply.

Best Regards,
Winniz

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Anonymous]

Hi @v-kkf-msft ,

Thanks for taking time out to reply to this post.

Would you know if a SSAS bim file created via SSDT of Visual Studio be used as an input to the PUSH Dataset API?

Allow me to elaborate further.

I am keen on using Visual Studio and BIM file because it gives me the following advantages:

1. Very elegant GIT integration of BIM file from Visual Studio
2. Pull Request reviews of BIM file
3. CI/CD of BIM file. (I would like to make Azure Devops deploy BIM file to Power BI PUSH dataset)

I do not want to use a Power BI dataset because

1. PBIT is a binary file and impossible to do sensible GIT version control. Have to ALM Toolkit to compare OR have to use Tabular Editor to extract BIM file
2. Cannot do a Pull Request review. 
3. Cannot use REST API to publish PBIT to Power bI service
4. REST API supports PBIX. But, hesitant to checking PBIX with customer data into GIT.

My argument  - Why should I make my customer to use a 3 rd party tool (Tabular Editor) if a BIM file from Visual Studio can be made to work?  Avoid unwanted dependencies!

Thanks,

Saurabh