Model Context Protocol (MCP) finally gives AI models a way to access the business data needed to make them really useful at work. CData MCP Servers have the depth and performance to make sure AI has access to all of the answers.
Try them now for free →
Connect Active Directory to Power BI - Enterprise Data Analytics, Real-time Insights, Anywhere.
Certified Data Connectivity
For Power BI Desktop & Server Deployment
Connect to live Active Directory data from Power BI Desktop, Server, & On-prem Gateway. Includes Direct Query support.
For Power BI Service (Cloud) Deployment
Active Directory integration with cloud-based Power BI Service.
Why CData for Active Directory Power BI Connectivity
Break free from data loading limitations and on-premises restrictions of Active Directory reporting in Power BI. Easily connect Microsoft Power BI with live Active Directory data for up-to-date visual analysis and reporting.
High-performance Active Directory Connectivity
Eliminate Active Directory performance & query speed issues in minutes
Large datasets often slow down reports and dashboards in Power BI due to its in-memory model. However, CData's Power BI Connector for Active Directory overcomes these challenges with advanced query optimization and Direct Query support. By leveraging Direct Query, you can avoid loading your entire Active Directory dataset into local memory and instead benefit from efficient server-side processing.
Breakthrough Power BI data volume and storage limits
Power BI Pro imposes a 1GB dataset size limit, and even Premium workspaces have constraints on query performance. The CData Power BI Connector supports Direct Query, reducing the amount of data retrieved when analyzing Active Directory data. Instead of loading the entire Active Directory dataset, only the necessary subset of query results is returned for your reports, optimizing performance and efficiency.
Microsoft Power BI
Comprehensive Active Directory data and metadata discovery
Find the Active Directory data you need for reports — fast and easy.
The Active Directory Connector provides full access to both data and metadata, enabling efficient automated data exploration and discovery. It features intelligent row scanning, type detection, relationship mapping, and support for unstructured data. These capabilities allow Power BI to recognize data fields without the need for casting or conversion, making it easier and faster for users to create meaningful reports.
Simplify report development with SQL-like querying
Certain data sources, such as Active Directory and other NoSQL databases, lack native support for SQL-like queries, often requiring data transformation before use in Power BI. CData simplifies this process with a built-in SQL transformation layer that automatically translates SQL queries into real-time data source calls. This enables seamless Active Directory integration, making it as straightforward as connecting to a traditional relational database.
Live Active Directory reporting. No ETL Required
Mitigate security & compliance risks vs. other integrations
CData's live Power BI connectivity for Active Directory overcomes the challenges associated with traditional integration methods like ETL and local data replication. Unlike data replication, live querying enhances security and compliance by eliminating risks such as data staleness, inconsistency, and corruption. It also reduces exposure from overprivileged access and delayed revocation while minimizing the attack surface created by duplicate copies. Additionally, live connectivity simplifies regulatory compliance by ensuring better adherence to data residency, retention policies, and auditability requirements.
Native Power BI Gateway and Power Platform support
Active Directory Power BI Connector supports the use from Power BI Gateway. Power BI on-premises gateway allows publish and auto-refresh the data set in your Power BI Desktop to Power BI cloud and other Microsoft Power Platform services such as Power Apps and Power Automate.
Cloud-to-cloud integration with auto-refresh
Sometimes setting up Power BI Gateway is not an option. IT departments often resist installing the Power BI on-premises gateway due to security concerns over data access and credential storage. They may also be reluctant because of the added maintenance burden and potential network vulnerabilities.
CData Connect Cloud transforms Active Directory data connectivity by removing the need for a local gateway. This enables Power BI service users to refresh data seamlessly within Power BI, ensuring they always work with the latest Active Directory data. While it doesn't yet support Direct Query mode, CData Connect Cloud is the ideal choice for deploying auto-refreshing Power BI reports in the cloud.
Connect Power BI to Active Directory
Watch the video overview for a first hand look at how easy it is to connect Power BI to live data from Active Directory with CData.
- Leverage Direct Query capabilities to enhance analytics performance for large Active Directory data sets.
- Extensive schema discovery capabilities for every data source. Explore tables, columns, keys, and other data constructs based on user identity.
- Easily connect Power BI directly with complex data structures through flexible and extensible flattening.
- Deploy Power BI reports that automatically refresh on-prem or to the cloud.
- And more!
Frequent Active Directory Power BI Connectivity questions
Common questions about integrating Active Directory with Microsoft Power BI.
Does Active Directory support Power BI?
Active Directory doesn't natively integrate with Power BI, but CData Power BI Connectors for Active Directory enable seamless Active Directory analytics and reporting. Our connectors provide real-time, direct access to Active Directory data in Power BI, allowing you to build dynamic dashboards without complex ETL processes. With CData, you get secure, high-performance connectivity for better insights.
How do I connect to Active Directory from Power BI?
Moving data from Active Directory to Power BI doesn't have to be difficult. The Active Directory Power BI Connector enables real-time, direct Power BI Active Directory connectivity, eliminating complex ETL.
How It Works
- Install the PowerBI Active Directory connector and open Power BI Desktop.
- Connect via Get Data > More > CData Active Directory using your credentials to connect Active Directory and Power BI.
- Access live data, run SQL queries, and build dynamic dashboards.
- Publish reports to Power BI Service for seamless sharing.
That's all there is to it. With secure, high-performance Power BI Active Directory integration, CData simplifies Active Directory bi, analytics and reporting. For more information, read the Power BI Active Directory Connector getting started guide.
What are the advantages of using the CData Active Directory data Connector for Power BI?
The CData Active Directory Connector offers key advantages for seamless Active Directory Power BI integration:
- Active Directory Real-Time Analytics (DirectQuery): Live, direct query access to Active Directory data in Power BI eliminates extracts and refreshes. This is especially powerful for working with large Active Directory datasets, as it allows you to analyze massive amounts of data without the limitations of in-memory processing. DirectQuery ensures your reports always reflect the latest Active Directory information.
- Performance & Scalability: Optimized queries ensure fast data retrieval and handle growing data volumes efficiently. Even with massive datasets, the CData connectors make Active Directory PowerBI integration fast and reliable.
- Comprehensive Data Access: The Active Directory BI connector provides comprehensive access to Active Directory Data and Active Directory metadata, empowering you to understand the structure of your data and build more robust and accurate reports. This deep Active Directory metadata integration simplifies data discovery and ensures your Power BI reports accurately reflect the meaning and context of your Active Directory data.
- Enterprise-Grade Security: The Active Directory PowerBI connector supports modern security standards and enterprise authentication methods, making it easier to comply with security policies.
Ultimately, the Active Directory to Power BI connector delivers fast, secure, and customizable access to Active Directory in Power BI for analytics and reporting.
How does the CData Active Directory connector work with Power BI Service?
Yes, all of our connectors support connecting Microsoft Power BI and Active Directory integration from Power BI Service by using the Microsoft Power BI Gateway. Instructions for installing and configuring the Power BI Gateway are available in the online Active Directory help file.
Alternatively, for customers unable to use the Microsoft Power BI Gateway should consider the CData Connect Cloud Power BI Client for real-time integration with Active Directory. With CData Connect Cloud, there is no need to install individual connectors in order to connect Power BI to Active Directory. Easily build visualizations in Power BI that are powered by live data, without installing any new software or 3rd party connectors.
Find out more about connecting Active Directory to Power BI Service.
Where can I download the Active Directory Connector for Power BI?
All of the CData Power BI Connectors for PowerBI Active Directory integration are freely available for download online. A 30-day trial of the Active Directory Connector download can be found alongside other supported Active Directory integration technologies like ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET, SQL Server SSIS, and more.
Popular Power BI Videos:
Ready to get started? Try CData for free today!
Do you want to learn more about how you can use CData to connect Microsoft Power BI with real-time data from anywhere? Contact us below, and let's talk.
