If your organisation is struggling to manage on-premises data while using cloud-based analytics, there’s a relatively straightforward solution: a Power BI on-premise gateway. This powerful tool allows for seamless data connectivity without losing control or compromising security.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive explanation of these gateways. We also cover the different types, key features and benefits, how to install one, and much more.
What Is A Power BI On-Premise Gateway?
A Power BI on-premises data gateway acts as a bridge between an organisation’s on-premises data sources and cloud-based Power BI services. This allows for data to be transferred between the two sources without an organisation needing to migrate its entire database to the cloud.
As a result, you can take full advantage of cloud-based Power BI services while ensuring your data is securely stored on local networks.
Types Of On-Premise Power BI Gateways
There are three types of gateways to choose from:
- On-premises data gateway (standard mode): Standard mode is the most common type of gateway. It supports multiple users and various data sources, such as Power BI, Oracle Database, and Excel spreadsheets.
- On-premises data gateway (personal mode): Personal mode is designed for individual use. It only supports Power BI, and you don’t need any administrative rights to install it.
- Virtual network data gateway: This gateway allows you to securely connect with data sources in Azure Virtual Networks.
How The Power BI On-Premises Gateway Works
The on-premises Power BI data gateway establishes outbound connections to the Azure Service Bus. This removes the need for inbound firewall rules, which increases overall security. If your organisation has strict IT policies for controlling inbound network traffic, this approach can be particularly beneficial.
Here’s a breakdown of how the gateway works:
- The cloud service creates a query, which is then encrypted and sent to the gateway.
- The gateway receives and decrypts the query.
- This query is sent to the relevant data source within the organisation.
- Once the data source has processed the query, it’s sent back to the gateway.
- The gateway receives the data. It encrypts and compresses it and returns it to the cloud service.
- The cloud service decrypts the data which is then presented to the user in the Power BI interface.
Key Features & Benefits
Using a Power BI on-premise gateway connection comes with many benefits, such as:
- Data source support and multi-user access enable teams to collaborate effectively.
- Scheduled refresh capabilities keep reports and dashboards up to date.
- Standard mode is compatible with other Microsoft cloud services, including PowerApps, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure Logic Apps.
- Sensitive data remains within your local networks, leading to enhanced security.
- IT administrators can use a single interface to manage multiple gateways. This simplifies maintenance and ensures the consistent application of security policies.
How To Install A Power BI On-Premises Gateway
If you’re ready to install a Power BI on-premise gateway, follow these steps:
- Download the gateway: Download the latest version from the Microsoft website, which has the most up-to-date security patches and features.
- Run the installer: Follow the various prompts and install the gateway on a machine within your organisation’s network. Ensure the machine has reliable connectivity and the resources to handle data processing tasks.
- Configure network and firewall settings: Check that outbound connections to the Azure Service Bus are allowed on your network. Usually, this means you need to open specific ports and allow certain URLs through your firewall.
- Add gateway admins: Log into the Power BI Service and designate the admins who can control the gateway’s settings and usage.
- Connect data sources: Connect the gateway to on-premises data sources like SharePoint sites and SQL Server databases.
- Set user permissions: Designate the users and groups who will be permitted to access specific data sources via the gateway.
Once you’ve installed your Power BI on-premise gateway, you need to ensure your entire Microsoft 365 environment is optimised for peak performance.
At Zenzero, we offer a Microsoft 365 support service that helps you ensure security with Microsoft Defender and streamlines account and device management through expert administration.
Book a free consultation to find out how we can transform your operations.
On-Premise Power BI Gateway Best Practices
There are several best practices you should follow to ensure the smooth operation of the gateway, including:
- Regularly update the gateway software for the latest performance improvements, features, and security patches.
- Use strong encryption for data sources, regularly audit gateway usage, and implement strict access controls.
- Consistently monitor gateway performance using the built-in tools. Adjust resources as necessary to handle data processing loads.
- Consider setting up multiple gateways for load balancing and high availability.
- Use the built-in troubleshooting tools to diagnose and resolve common issues with the on-premise Power BI gateway.
FAQs
How do I access my Power BI account if I forget my password?
If you forget your Power BI account password, perform a self-service password reset. If this doesn’t work, contact your Office 365 admin team, as Power BI accounts are often linked to an organisation’s Microsoft accounts.
Why is the recovery key important for a Power BI on-premise gateway?
The recovery key is important if you need to recover the gateway after a failure or migrate it to a new machine. You need to store the key securely; losing it might mean reinstalling the gateway or installing a new gateway.
Final Thoughts
A Power BI on-premise gateway establishes a secure, direct channel, allowing you to connect your local data sources to Power BI without the need for potentially risky data migration.
Use this guide to install a Power BI gateway and help you follow the best practices required for full optimisation. Or, you can use Zenzero’s Power BI consultancy service and we’ll implement, integrate, and optimise the gateway for you.