Can't connect to Azure SQL DB from powerbi.com

[Simmo2020]

Could you advise when planned direct connection is for SQL Azure DB? It is almost crazy that you need a desktop tool to connect "cloud" Power BI to "cloud" SQL database?! The desktop offering for connections is "clunky" and publishing even with a live connection can take forever, hang or not work.

For true enterprise self-service, in the sense of Gartner Logical Datawarehouse concept this is a negative point for me and my business regards PowerBI.

[v-shex-msft]

Hi @Simmo2020,

>>Could you advise when planned direct connection is for SQL Azure DB?

Since Azure SQL DB use SQL connector and need a gateway to manage the data, it has been migrated from service to desktop for a long time. 

I don't think they will consider to rebuild the online part of Azure SQL DB at the present.

For your requirement, you can try to submit this to ideas forum.

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng