Non-Gateway Data Sources vs Data Sources with a Gateway

[jribs]

In plain terms, I haven't been able to find a straight forward answer to how to set up a Data Source so it does not need the associated Gateway computer to be on.  

A gatewaay was installed on my computer from the tutorials taken about Power BI service. However, when I publish now, my datasource always needs a gateway computer on. Is there a way to let the server itself do the refresh? If so, why would we want a gaeway instead of having the server do it? We are on an on-prem enterprise solution I believe. Notice the greyed out Use data gateway option below:

Thank you in advance

[collinq · Accepted solution]

Hi @jribs ,

You need to have a gateway if you are having the service refresh the data.  You need to set up a Enterprise Gateway on a server that stays "up" all of the time and not use a Personal Gateway.  Because, as you state, your computer has to be on and up all the time for a Personal Gateway to work.  As @aj1973 states, you have to use a gateway if you want the service to use schedule refreshes AND if you data is inside your organization's firewalls.

[aj1973]

Hi @jribs

If you have access to the server then install Gateway Entreprise in it. You always need a Gateway to connect Power service to your server