Upgrading compatibility level for model in service

[AMD0791]

I am using ALM Toolkit to compare the model in my local desktop file with the model published in the service.   ALM Toolkit returns an error that the source (PBI Desktop) is compatibility level 1567 and the target (PBI Service) is level 1550, and that discrepancy is not supported for comparison.  It then offers to update the model in the service from 1550 to 1567.

The different levels makes sense -- this particular model hasn't been updated and republished in a couple years and was certainly last updated with a much older desktop configuration.

Is there anything I need to review before allowing ALMToolkit to update the model in the service?  What is the risk associated with changing to a higher compatibility level?  Is ALMToolkit the proper tool to use, or would it be better to use Tabular Editor or SSMS?

Thank you!!

[TomMartens · Accepted solution]

Hey @AMD0791 ,

I have to admit that I'm not that familiar with the ALM Toolkit. Before you update the model in the service, I would save the current definition as a file, the "bim" file, using the Tabular Editor.

While using the ALM toolkt I realized that it does not break anything. Of course this is not a guarantee 😉

Regards,

Tom

[v-yaningy-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi, @AMD0791 

Thanks for @TomMartens  reply. Updates to the AML Toolkit are not reversible for models. After an update, models may use features or syntax that are not supported in the older version, and the model file structure may change to accommodate these new features. Before updating, you need to back up your data or test the updated model in a sandbox environment to make sure everything works as expected. The choice of whether to use ALM Toolkit , Tabular Editor or SSMS depends on your needs. Here are the main differences between these third party software.

1. ALM Toolkit is an open source architecture comparison tool designed specifically for Power BI semantic models. It is typically used for Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) scenarios.

Key features: ALM Toolkit allows comparison of database architectures to more easily identify differences between versions of a Power BI dataset; code changes can be merged across environments to ensure consistency and smooth deployment; simplifies deployment of models; it integrates seamlessly with source code management systems; definitions can be reused across models; ALM Toolkit bridges the gap between self-service and enterprise-class BI development. The ALM Toolkit bridges the gap between self-service and enterprise-level BI development.

2.Tabular Editor is an open-source tool that allows you to create, maintain, and manage tabular models using an intuitive, lightweight editor.

Key features: Tabular Editor provides a hierarchical view of all objects in the tabular model; you can use display folders to organise objects; edit the properties of multiple objects at the same time; support for DAX syntax highlighting and more.

Related link: Development tools for Tabular models in 2021 - SQLBI

3. SSMS is a Microsoft tool primarily used for managing SQL Server databases, including Analysis Services. Although SSMS is not specifically designed for the tabular model, it provides a broader set of features for managing databases, including the tabular model.

Key features: The ability to write and execute queries against the tabular model; allowing the model to be deployed to different environments; performing a variety of administrative tasks, such as handling partitioning, managing security, and monitoring performance; and lacking some of the specialised functionality available in the ALM Toolkit and the table editor.

Best Regards,
Yang
Community Support Team

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[TomMartens · Accepted solution]

Hey @AMD0791 ,

I have to admit that I'm not that familiar with the ALM Toolkit. Before you update the model in the service, I would save the current definition as a file, the "bim" file, using the Tabular Editor.

While using the ALM toolkt I realized that it does not break anything. Of course this is not a guarantee 😉

Regards,

Tom