Has Power BI Direct Connection been deprecated ?

[PBIC]

Is Direct Connection still possible or has it been deprecated ?

As described here: http://radacad.com/power-bi-get-data-from-azure-sql-database#comment-59271

I have looked at it before and I could see the Connect button.

However, now, when I Click on Get Data in Power BI website - under Create New Content - Choose Databases - Get - Azure SQL Database. I no longer get a Connect button but instead it advises me to Use Power BI Desktop to Get Data. This is not Direct Connection.....it would be either an Import or a Direct Query in Power BI Desktop. You would then import a Visualization with only the referenced table and columns in the accompanying data source.

I want to expose my Azure SQL Database to Power BI as a Data Source. Please advise ? Is there anything in terms of permissions that prevents me seeing the Connect button and seeing the Power BI Desktop option instead? 

I have a Pro licence.

[v-shex-msft · Accepted solution]

HI @PBIC.

In fact, these connector has migrated to desktop side for a long time.

I guess it may related to below reasons.

1. On service side, you can't choose which tables/fileds to load and do customize calculations.

2. Desktop side has better support for report customized.

3. There are no obviously differences between two mode.

So, power bi service remove online version and suggest you create report on desktop side.

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng