Updated: July 8, 2024 (August 9, 2021)

Choosing Power BI: Part 1. Platforms and Decision Process

Andrew analyzes and writes about Microsoft's data management, business intelligence, and machine learning solutions, as well as aspects of licensing... more

(NOTE: The options for choosing Power BI platforms were substantially changed with the introduction of Fabric in early 2024. Please view the updated “Choosing Power BI in a Fabric Centric World: A Guide for New and Existing Customers” that was released in July 2024.)

Power BI back-end platforms are where customers will spend most of their Power BI budget.
Choosing the right back-end platform is complex and mistakes can be costly.
Successful customers focus on requirements and view Power BI as more than a report hosting solution.

There are many components used in a Power BI deployment, including multiple design tools, clients, data gateways, and back-end platforms. The most important of these, from a cost perspective, is the back-end platform. This report is the first of a multipart series that breaks down the most important factors to consider when selecting a Power BI back-end platform, provides guidance on the capabilities and limitations of each, and helps determine which platform (or platforms) best fit an organization’s needs:

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