Dataset Owner - who should own it?

[shyammayhs]

Hi guys, I am in the early stages of PBI deployment and it seems unclear to who should be the owner of datasets on our environment we will have one day.

For example, we would like to have pre-created Data Models saved as Datasets in a workspace, is it fine for me to be the owner of these? or should it be a Service Account which is the owner?

Thanks.

[sirlanceohlott · Accepted solution]

I'd move forward with the service account pathway as this would allow for the easiest transition if someone were to leave the organization it wouldn't require an audit to see what reports are going to break which would hinder availability. 

If the concern is with data refresh failures you can add yourself as well as other team members as individuals who need to receive notifications when something is wrong.

One thing you'll have to do though is have a Power BI Pro or Power BI Premium Per User license on the service account and that would be the account you'll need to log into if you there is any adjustments you need to make to the dataset.

[arvindsingh802]

Any developer including you can be the dataset owner.

I would not recommand it but if you want to use a service account to be a owner then that service account should also have Power BI Pro license

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[shyammayhs]

Hi @arvindsingh802 , thanks for your reply.

Why do you not recommend using a serivce account for Dataset ownership? I understand that the account would also need a Pro license, but I would like to understand the other Pros and Cons of it.

Thanks.

[arvindsingh802]

Only benefite of using service account is removing dependency of user account so if they move out things do not break, ususally it would automatcally taken care by person who will be repalcement of that user

Con - With service account you will not be able to identify who made changes to the dataset/report if there are multiple users using that to publish it

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution, Appreciate your Kudos!

[shyammayhs]

How would it automatically be taken care of by the person taking over if a user leaves the organisation? Curious to understand this! Thanks