Options for getting data from Azure SQL databases

[Anonymous]

I am trying to understand the different options for getting data from my Azure SQL Database into PowerBI.

My understanding is that I can use Direct Query or Import mode - what are the pros/cons of each with Azure SQL DB? Also, do I need a data gateway for either option and what does that entail?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[v-yuezhe-msft · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous,

If your dataset only contains Azure SQL database dataset, Power BI gateway is not required in both modes.

It depends on your requirement to choose directquery mode/import mode to connect to the Azure SQL database. Directquery mode allows you build visualizations over large datasets, but there are also some limitations in this mode. For more details about comparison between import and DirectQuery, please review the following article.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-use-directquery

Regards,
Lydia