Limitations with SQL Server 2014 Standard? Solution with Direct Query and on-premises SSAS instance

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I have just started in a private company (before I was BI/DW-consultant), where I am hired to create a full-blown Power BI solution to take over the QlikView / QlikSence application.

However, I am worried if I am able to continue with the current server setup - SQL Server 2014 Standard. 

I have not been able to find a clear answer on which limitations I might have if to connect to on-premis SSAS (multidimensional cube and/or tabular models) if I use SQL Server 2014 Standard compared to either SQL Server 2014 Enterprise, SQL Server 2016 Standard or SQL Server 2016 Enterprise?

Can somebody help or lead me to a place where I find the answers.

Bests,

Line, Denmark

[v-sihou-msft · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

When connecting SSAS in Power BI, only following editions support live connections.

Server version	Required SKU
2012 SP1 CU4 or later	Business Intelligence and Enterprise SKU
2014	Business Intelligence and Enterprise SKU
2016	Standard SKU or higher

For more details, please see: Manage your data source - Analysis Services.

Regards,

[Anonymous]

If I have Power BI Premium, and I want to use it on-premises, I need SQL Server.

But does it need to be 2016, or can it be 2014?

Can I use the free version of SQL Server alongside PBI Premium?