The XML for Analysis (XMLA) endpoint is a well-established industry standard used for working with tabular models. It provides compatibility with a range of tools and client libraries, which facilitates the interoperability of your data models. In essence, the XMLA endpoint facilitates communication between the client applications and the Power BI service for managing Analysis Services tabular models.

Table of Contents

Deploy Datasets using XMLA endpoint

To deploy datasets using the XMLA endpoint, you need to follow the steps below:

  1. Establish Connection: In SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), connect to the Power BI workspace by using your Power BI XMLA endpoint URL, which you can find in the workspace settings.
  2. Deploy Database: Upon successful connection, deploy the database by right-clicking the databases folder and selecting the option ‘Deploy database’. Follow the deployment wizard to choose a model.bim file to deploy and configure other settings.

This process deploys a dataset from Localhost to Power BI. Note that the connection to the Power BI server is made possible via the XMLA endpoint.

Manage Datasets Using XMLA endpoint

Once you have deployed datasets, you can manage them using SSMS as well. These management activities include processing data, configuring partitions, and monitoring activities.

Processing Data
To process data in your dataset, right-click on the dataset or specific tables, and select ‘Process’. This opens up a dialog box where you can choose the type of processing.

Configuring Partitions
As your data grows, you can improve query performance and refresh times by dividing your data into partitions. The XMLA endpoint and SSMS allow you to create and manage these partitions from the Partitions tab in the table properties.

Example: Manage Partitions

Let’s look at an example of managing partitions. After connecting to the Power BI workspace via the XMLA endpoint, follow the steps below:

  1. In Object Explorer, navigate to your database (dataset), expand it, and then further expand the table with which you want to work.
  2. Right-click the ‘Partitions’ folder and select ‘New partition…’
  3. Define your partition in the subsequent ‘New Partition’ window.

This uses the XMLA scripts to create a new partition in an existing dataset.

It’s important to note that the ‘Read’ operations (select, join, and so on) are generally available, while the ‘Write’ operations (create, drop, alter), are in preview, and you must be in the Power BI service’s Premium capacity to utilize them. These ‘write’ operations deploy datasets, apply role-level security, among many other datasets.

By understanding the deployment and management of datasets using the XMLA endpoint, you can manage your Power BI datasets much more efficiently. Utilize this knowledge when preparing for your DP-500 Designing and Implementing Enterprise-Scale Analytics Solutions Using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power BI exam, to have a foundational understanding of data modeling concepts.

Practice Test

True or False: XMLA endpoint requires enabling Azure Analysis Services.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False

Explanation: XMLA endpoint is a feature of Power BI, not Azure Analysis Services. It allows read and write operations by tools and services that support the XMLA protocol.

Which of the following actions can you perform using the XMLA endpoint in Power BI?

  • A. Read and write operations
  • B. Create tables
  • C. Manage datasets
  • D. Monitor performance

Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: The XMLA endpoint in Power BI allows for performing read and write operations, managing datasets and monitoring performance of the Power BI workspace. However, it does not allow for creating tables.

True or False: When a dataset is published to Power BI, metadata is stored in an Power BI analysis services database.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: When a dataset is published to Power BI, its metadata is indeed stored in an Analysis Services database. The XMLA endpoint provides access to this database.

Which of the following tools can you use with XMLA endpoint?

  • A. Visual Studio’s SQL Server Data Tools
  • B. SQL Server Management Studio
  • C. Power BI desktop
  • D. Visual Studio Code

Answer: A, B

Explanation: Visual Studio’s SQL Server Data Tools and SQL Server Management Studio are tools that work with Azure SQL Databases and compatible with the XMLA protocol and can be used in conjunction with XMLA endpoint.

Single select question: The XMLA endpoint in Power BI uses what protocol for communications?

  • A. HTTP
  • B. XMLA
  • C. SQL
  • D. OData

Answer: B. XMLA

Explanation: The XMLA endpoint in Power BI uses the XMLA protocol, as suggested by its name.

True or False: Power BI dataset features can be fully managed using XMLA endpoints.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: XMLA endpoints do provide full manageability for Power BI dataset features like viewing, modifying and updating the datasets.

Single select question: XMLA endpoints are primarily used in Power BI for:

  • A. Creating dashboards
  • B. Building data models
  • C. Dataset management
  • D. Generating reports

Answer: C. Dataset management

Explanation: XMLA endpoints in Power BI are primarily used for dataset management.

True or False: XMLA Read/Write endpoints allow for migration and disaster recovery scenarios.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True

Explanation: XMLA Read/Write endpoints enable backup and restore operations, facilitating migration and disaster recovery scenarios.

Which of the following operations can you perform with XMLA endpoint in power BI?

  • A. Create and manage roles for datasets
  • B. Deploy datasets larger than 1 GB
  • C. Modify the data in an existing dataset
  • D. Import data from Azure Data Lake Storage

Answer: A, B

Explanation: XMLA endpoints allow creating and managing roles for datasets, and deploying datasets larger than 1 GB. However, they do not support direct modification of data in an existing dataset and importing data from Azure Data Lake Storage.

Single select question: What is the primary purpose of XMLA endpoints in Power BI?

  • A. To enable live streaming of data
  • B. To create interactive reports
  • C. To manage Power BI datasets and perform advanced analytics
  • D. To sync data across multiple devices

Answer: C. To manage Power BI datasets and perform advanced analytics

Explanation: The primary purpose of XMLA endpoints is to provide an interface for managing Power BI datasets and performing advanced analytics.

Interview Questions

What is an XMLA endpoint in Microsoft Azure and Power BI?

An XMLA endpoint is a connection point that allows data models imported into Power BI to be accessed as if they were Analysis Services databases.

How does the XMLA endpoint support dataset management across workspaces?

XMLA endpoint with Azure Analysis Services allows management of datasets across workspaces by clients and tools that support Analysis Services.

Which types of operations can the XMLA endpoint support?

The XMLA endpoint can support Read operations (like querying data in Power BI datasets) and Write operations (like refreshing data or changing data model schema).

What is the XMLA endpoint used for?

The XMLA endpoint is used for managing Power BI datasets like an Analysis Services database. It enables Read & Write operations for client applications and tools.

What are the prerequisites for using the XMLA endpoint?

A Power BI Premium capacity or Power BI Embedded capacity in Azure, and the client tools or libraries that support Analysis Services are prerequisites for using the XMLA endpoint.

What types of security does XMLA endpoint use?

XMLA endpoint uses Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) OAuth2 for authentication and user-level security for authorization.

What permissions are needed for running management operations using the XMLA endpoint?

Permissions depend on the operation. For example, Read operations require Build permission, while Write operations require Admin permission on the dataset.

Can we deploy Power BI datasets to an XMLA endpoint from Power BI Desktop?

No, you cannot directly deploy Power BI datasets to an XMLA endpoint from Power BI Desktop.

Can you use the XMLA endpoint to connect to Power BI datasets using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)?

Yes, you can use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to connect to Power BI datasets using the XMLA endpoint and manage them like Analysis Services databases.

What tools can be used with the XMLA endpoint to manage Power BI datasets?

Tools that support Analysis Services like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Server Profiler, and Analysis Services cmdlets in PowerShell can be used with the XMLA endpoint.

Can you perform operational tasks on Power BI datasets using the XMLA endpoint?

Yes, operational tasks like refreshing data, monitoring dataset performance or usage, or applying row-level security can be performed using the XMLA endpoint.

Are there data capacity limits when using the XMLA endpoint with Power BI?

Power BI’s data capacity limits apply when you use the XMLA endpoint. The capacity depends on the type of Power BI premium or embedded capacity workspace.

Can you conduct data science and machine learning operations using the XMLA endpoint?

Yes, you can use the XMLA endpoint for advanced analytics and utilize data in Power BI datasets for machine learning models in Azure Machine Learning or other platforms.

Can you use the XMLA endpoint with Power BI Report Server?

No, the XMLA endpoint is only available with Power BI Service and can’t be used with Power BI Report Server.

Can the XMLA endpoint be used for disaster recovery?

Yes, you can use the XMLA endpoint with scripting and automation to backup datasets and restore them to another capacity for disaster recovery.

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