Power BI Back-end Services

Power BI back-end platforms can host semantic data models (datasets) and transfer data between locations using built-in data integration features. The features are used in combination with other Power BI report hosting and data management components as a full-service reporting solution.

Back-End Platforms Overview 

Microsoft offers customers several Power BI back-end hosting platforms including multiple cloud services and an on-premises Power BI Report Server, although the number is decreasing as Microsoft replaces the Premium capacities with Fabric capacities. The back-end platforms vary by support for content types, client tools, features, performance, scaling, security, and licensing. (See the illustration “Power BI Back-end Services Explained“.)

Choosing the correct back-end hosting platform is key to meeting business requirements and controlling cost; however, choosing a Power BI hosting platform can be complex, and there is no one platform that meets all needs. Many customers find a hybrid deployment with on-premises and hosted components the only solution.