Power BI enables both direct and imported data sources, and you can use several methods for querying, connecting, and shaping data. After connecting to the data, you can edit or load the data to start building reports.

Using the Data Connector

After connecting to the data, see Connecting to Data for instructions on how to edit or load the data to start building reports.

Querying Data

Querying Data outlines how to query data by connecting directly to the data at its source, and walks through the process of creating reports that query Microsoft Excel Online.

The CData Power BI Connector for Microsoft Excel Online utilizes Power BI's Query types:

• Direct Query: Visualizing data in real time by connecting directly to the data at the source.
• Data Import: Embedding data in a report, which can be refreshed on demand. This is the most common way to get data. Importing data takes advantage of the Power BI robust query engine.

Visualizing Data

Once you have connected and gained access to the data, you can begin Visualizing Data. Create and refine visualizations by defining filters, aggregating data, and joining tables when working with remote data.