Extending a Semantic Model

[ddelapasse]

Hi,

Please help me to understand if this is possible.  I have an azure sql db behind a vpn.  It works from PBI web portal but it requires the gateway connection so users cannot modify it (I cannot provide them a local connection), HOWEVER, one user group is screaming that they must be able to combine this data with other datasets that they will provide.   My understanding is:

A report is restricted to use a single semantic model so they can't just use both models.
They cannot create a new semantic model which unions my data with their data using the portal because the web portal PowerBI doesn't allow this and they cannot connect from their local pc using PBI Desktop.

Any suggestions for me enabling this somehow?   It doesn't really seem too crazy, but I didn't realize until now how limited the web portal is.

[v-saisrao-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi  @ddelapasse,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community.

I understand that your Azure SQL database is behind a VPN and accessible through the Power BI Service via a gateway, which prevents users from directly modifying the dataset. Additionally, your users need to combine this data with their own datasets, but they are unable to use Power BI Desktop due to network restrictions. 

I also appreciate the insights shared by @Greg_Deckler ,in this discussion. 

• You can create a dataflow in Power BI Service that imports data from Azure SQL (via the gateway) and another dataflow that loads user-provided data from sources like SharePoint or OneDrive. These dataflows can be combined to form a single dataset, enabling users to build reports without the need for Power BI Desktop. 
• Users can upload their datasets (Excel, CSV, etc.) to OneDrive or SharePoint. You can then create a new semantic model in Power BI that integrates their data with Azure SQL. Please note that users will need to update their files as necessary.

If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Thank you.  

[ddelapasse]

Thanks!  Is your second bullet basically the same thing @Greg_Deckler is suggesting below?  I just stumbled across 'dataflows' earlier today and was trying to understand if they could help us.

[Greg_Deckler]

@ddelapasse You can convert your live connection to a semantic model to a DirectQuery for Power BI Semantic Models and Analysis Services and then you can create a composite model from there.

[ddelapasse]

Thanks!  I will look into this idea.  Also, I tried to vote for your post, but the link is just going to the 'fabric ideas' board where I see ALL the ideas.  I'd be happy to vote if you can post a more direct link.