Supported Data Sources

Power BI is a tool that can process a broad range of databases. To get the idea about the available data connections of your Power BI, click on get data, and it will show you all the connections. Many flat files are linked to your Power BI, which includes: flat files, SQL database, and Azure Cloud or even web platforms such as Facebook, Google Analytics, Salesforce objects, etc. It allows users to perform ODBC connection through which they can connect to other ODBC data sources that are not listed.

Some of the Data Sources which are available in Power BI is listed as follows:

Flat files
SQL Database
OData Feed
Blank Query
Online Services
And some others like Hadoop, Exchange or Active Directory.

To generate and retrieve data from a Power BI desktop, you need to click on the Get data option, which is present there on the main screen. The most common data sources showcased, first followed by other data sources. Once you have clicked on the get data option, then click on the more opportunity to get the full list of available data sources.

The more option will take you to a new navigation window, which will appear on the left side. It will contain a list of all available data sources. If you want to search for a specific data source, you can perform the search operation using the search option, which is present at the top.

Various Data Sources:

File: There are many flat-file types, which are used by the Power BI tool. When you click the File option, all the flat files will avail at your screen. Select a file type you want to connect with and click on the compare option. Before preceding the connection, it is mandatory to provide the location of the file you want to connect.

Database: Not only files, but you can also connect databases to your Power BI. Select the Database option from the list and click on the type of database you want to connect to your Power BI Desktop. To join the selected database, click on the compare option.

Proceed further, and you have to enter the Server name/ Username and password of the database to form a connection. Another way through which you can connect is with the help of direct SQL queries using the Advance option panel. Further, you may import or direct questions by the selection provided. (Note: you can’t process import and DirectQuery mode in a single BI report)

DirectQuery option is a real-time option that does not require scheduled refreshment of data. This option bounds data manipulation, and the data stay in the SQL database only.
The Import option requires scheduled refreshing of data. This option allows the user to manipulate and transform data. PBI service permits you to publish data up to 1GB.
Azure: This option allows the user to connect their database to the Azure cloud. There are different options proposed by Azure Cloud to store and manage their database via Power BI Desktop.
Online Services: There are many different online services that you can connect to your Power BI. These services allow facilitating various options to enhance your BI report. These services include Exchange, Salesforce, Google Analytics, Facebook, etc.

Other: Various options other than the categories mentioned above, which are available to connect by Power BI, are present in the other option.

It was all about the supported data sources, please check out the next blog for Data Modelling.