A client of mine wants to consolidate data from various on-premise databases into a small datamart in MS SQL Server 2016 Express (i.e. not SSAS). I need to help them design that database, then I'll do the PBI work. I want to make sure the information I found is still current since PBI changes so quickly.
1. We need to install a gateway (better do it on the same server as the SQL db), both the personal or on-premises gateway could do the job if only SQL and PBI is at play (no fancy data source and no PowerApps).
2. With the on-premises data gateway we'll be able to connect to the database using either Import (i.e. in-memory data model) or DirectQuery (i.e. data stays in the SQL database). With the personal gateway it's Import only. Live Connection won't be available (because that's only for SSAS).
3. With Import we'll be able to schedule refreshes up to 8x per day. With DirectQuery this is not necessary are refreshes are automatic, however other restrictions apply:
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-desktop-use-directquery/
4. We'll only be able to use Row Level Security with DirectQuery, not via Import.
So the options are:
1. On-prem SQL + Personal Gateway + Import + no RLS
2. On-prem SQL + On-Premises Gateway + DirectQuery + RLS
Did I get all of that right?
Also, does republishing in PBI Desktop still erase RLS?
My plan was to use dynamic RLS, as described here (but this page is about SSAS, not regular SQL):
Thanks for any help!
Edit: this page seems fairly current:
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-admin-rls/
and says:
"You can now configure RLS for data models imported into Power BI with Power BI Desktop. You can also configure RLS on datasets that are using DirectQuery, such as SQL Server. Previously, you were only able to implement RLS within on-premises Analysis Services models outside of Power BI."