Power BI's DirectQuery mode is a powerful feature that lets you query your data directly in the source database, removing the need to transfer the data to Power BI's VertiPaq database (Import Mode), which can sometimes be a lengthy and error-prone process. Sounds great, doesn't it? However, no technology comes without costs and limitations.

In this session, I will share the considerations you need to make when using DirectQuery for your Power BI architecture. We will see how it will impact you as a developer, with some features being unavailable and DAX code needing to be rewritten. We will also look at how it will impact your report consumers, especially in self-service BI scenarios.

I decided to write this session after an unsuccessful VertiPaq-to-DirectQuery migration project, so I will add personal, real-world experience to the technical analysis you can find in books. After the session, you will have a solid understanding of the pros and cons of DirectQuery in Power BI and a clear sense of when to use this additional tool in your Power BI developer toolbox.

Power BI development experience, especially in writing DAX code, is strongly recommended to benefit from this session.