By introducing Azure Synapse Analytics in late 2019, and making it recently GA, Microsoft created a whole new perspective when it comes to data treatment. Some core concepts, such as traditional data warehousing, came under more scrutiny, while various fresh approaches started to pop up after data nerds became aware of the new capabilities that Synapse brought to the table.
Not that Synapse made a strong impact on data ingestion, transformation, and storage options only – it also offered a whole new set of possibilities for data serving and visualization!
Therefore, in this workshop, we will try to explore how Power BI works in synergy with the new platform. What options we, Power BI developers, have when working with Synapse Analytics? In which data analytics scenarios, Synapse will play on the edge, helping you to achieve the (im)possible? When would you want to take advantage of the innovative solutions within Synapse, and when would you be better sticking with more conventional approaches? What are the best practices when using Power BI – Synapse combo, and which parameters should you evaluate before making a final decision on which path to take.
Once we’re done, I believe that you should get a better understanding of the “pros” and “cons” for each of the available options when it comes to integration between Power BI and Synapse.

Outline:
1. Introduction to Azure Synapse Analytics – understanding its core components and where does it fit in the overall picture
2. What Synapse Analytics brings to a table when it comes to Power BI
3. Using Synapse Analytics Dedicated SQL pool in conjunction with Power BI
4. Serverless SQL pool – best practices and analysis of multiple different scenarios and use-cases
5. Analysis over NoSQL data – leverage Synapse Analytics and Power BI to perform analytics over non-relational data sources (CosmosDB)

Prerequisites:
1. Power BI Desktop installed
2. Azure subscription (free Azure account is also fine)
3. Basic knowledge of data modeling
4. Basic knowledge of T-SQL (not necessary, but it would help)
5. SSMS or ADS installed (not necessary, but it would help)

Target audience:
• Power BI developers
• Data Analysts
• Data Engineers
• BI Analysts

Key takeaways
Attendees will get an overview of the Azure Synapse Analytics platform, and how it works in synergy with Power BI in multiple different scenarios. Participants will also understand how to deal with various use-cases from a Power BI perspective, and which solutions make sense in specific circumstances.