Connect to and query datasets by using the XMLA endpoint

The XMLA endpoint in Microsoft Azure and Power BI provides a convenient way to connect to and query datasets for enterprise-scale analytics solutions. This feature allows users to leverage existing tools and platforms that support the XMLA protocol, enabling powerful analytical capabilities and integration with other systems.

Enabling and configuring the XMLA endpoint

To get started with the XMLA endpoint, you’ll need to enable and configure it in your Power BI workspace. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Power BI service (app.powerbi.com) using your credentials.
2. Go to the workspace where you want to enable the XMLA endpoint.
3. Click on the workspace settings (gear icon) and select “Settings.”
4. In the “Settings” tab, locate the “XMLA endpoint” section.
5. Toggle the “Allow XMLA endpoint” switch to enable it.
6. Optionally, specify a read-only or read-write mode for the XMLA endpoint.

Connecting to the XMLA endpoint

Once the XMLA endpoint is enabled, you can connect to it using various tools, such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Analysis Services projects in Visual Studio, or other client applications that support XMLA.

Let’s assume you’re using SSMS to connect to the XMLA endpoint. Follow these steps:

1. Open SSMS and choose “Database Engine” as the server type.
2. Enter the XMLA endpoint URL in the “Server name” field. The URL format is: powerbi://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/{workspace_id}. Replace {workspace_id} with your actual workspace ID.
3. Select the “Windows Authentication” option.
4. Click “Connect” to establish a connection to the XMLA endpoint.

Querying datasets using MDX and DAX

Once connected, you can query datasets in your Power BI workspace using the MDX or DAX query languages.

Here’s an example of querying a dataset using MDX:

SELECT
[Measures].[SalesAmount] ON COLUMNS,
[Product].[Category].Members ON ROWS
FROM
[Adventure Works]

In this example, we retrieve the sales amount measure for each product category from the “Adventure Works” dataset.

Similarly, you can use DAX to query datasets. Here’s an example:

EVALUATE
SUMMARIZECOLUMNS (
‘Product'[Category],
“SalesAmount”, [Measures].[SalesAmount]
)

This DAX query retrieves the sales amount measure for each product category using the SUMMARIZECOLUMNS function.

Integration and security considerations

By utilizing the XMLA endpoint, you can integrate Power BI datasets with external systems and tools that support the XMLA protocol. This allows you to leverage existing investments in analytics solutions, build custom dashboards, or perform advanced analytics using familiar tools.

Remember to secure access to the XMLA endpoint by managing workspace permissions and ensuring proper authentication mechanisms are in place. Additionally, when querying large datasets, optimize your queries and consider performance tuning techniques to achieve optimal results.

In conclusion, the XMLA endpoint in Azure and Power BI provides a powerful way to connect to and query datasets for enterprise-scale analytics solutions. By enabling the XMLA endpoint and leveraging tools that support the XMLA protocol, you can unlock advanced analytics capabilities and seamlessly integrate Power BI with your existing ecosystem.