Difference between XMLA read operation and query in metric report

[biuser98]

I am monitoring our capacity and I have noticed a user causing cpu spikes. It shows XMLA read operation under operation. Sometimes I see query in the list. What is the difference? And how can I know what exactly is causing the spike  in the capacity?

[biuser98]

Any help?

[lbendlin]

Your user has discovered that they can run DAX queries against your dataset. 

Examine the query text (base64 encoded) and work with the user to optimize the query.

[biuser98]

Are you sure its because of dax queries? Is it not due some third party app?

[mperez]

It may be also because the connet via excel to the dataset in the services.

[biuser98]

Yes , indeed some users are using excel to the dataset (which creates a directquery connection to analysis services I suppose?). What is the solution? If they connect to the dataset as live connection within Power BI, will this fix the problem?