Embedding reports: numerous options, what is the correct choice?

[powerbi-oe]

We are thinking of integrating PowerBI reports into our desktop based application (via a web control on a winform).

The plan is that one or two users within an orgnisation will design their reports (potentially against a Azure hosted SQL database). We then want to make these reports available via the web, so they can be embedded into our application.

As well as the REST api to access the reports, there is the chargeable embedded service, which requires you to upload your pbix into a workspace in Azure.

The users who access the reports will neither have a power bi account or an AD account. Based on this, do we have to use the embed service, which is chargeable, or can we use the REST api ? Do both options allow for live refresh of data from Azure SQL?

Thanks for your help

[v-qiuyu-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @powerbi-oe,

>>The plan is that one or two users within an orgnisation will design their reports (potentially against a Azure hosted SQL database). We then want to make these reports available via the web, so they can be embedded into our application.

When we use Publish to web feature, the report or visual you publish can be viewed by anyone on the Internet. If the report data is not confidential, you can try this sway. Otherwise, I wouldn't suggest you do it.

>>As well as the REST api to access the reports, there is the chargeable embedded service, which requires you to upload your pbix into a workspace in Azure.

Power BI Embedded is one of the Azure services. Only the ISV who uses Azure Portal is charged for usage fees (per hourly user session), and the user who views the report isn't charged or even require an Azure subscription. See: How to use Power BI Embedded with REST.

>> The users who access the reports will neither have a power bi account or an AD account. Based on this, do we have to use the embed service, which is chargeable, or can we use the REST api ? Do both options allow for live refresh of data from Azure SQL?

Power BI embedded end user doesn't require Power BI account, while REST API requires, so Power BI Embedded should be proper for you. Power BI Embedded support DirectQuery to Azure SQL database, see: Connect to a data source.

By the way, as Power BI Embedded and Power BI REST API are concepts of Power BI Developer, for more question about those two points, I would suggest you post a thread in Developer forum.

Best Regards,
Qiuyun Yu