Introducing the New Outlook Activity in Azure Data Factory Pipelines
Austin Libal,trainer, presents the exciting new Outlook activity feature within Azure Data Factory pipelines, now integrated into Microsoft Fabric. This addition greatly enhances data orchestration and monitoring by bridging Data Factory with Microsoft Outlook email capabilities, complementing services like Synapse Analytics, real-time analytics, data science, and Power BI. Unlocking the Benefits of Microsoft Fabric Integration… Read More
Modern Data Architecture for Azure Business Intelligence Programs
Back in 2012, when terms like “road map” and “blueprint” were common, I first created a data architecture diagram focused on traditional BI tools like SSIS, SSAS-MultiD, and SSRS. Today, with the rise of cloud computing, our data landscape has shifted dramatically—even though we still operate on the core principle of moving data from source… Read More
Optimizing SSIS Performance within Azure Data Factory
If you’re starting out with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) in Azure Data Factory (ADF), you might notice that some SSIS packages take longer to execute compared to running on-premises. In this guide, I’ll share effective and straightforward techniques to boost the performance of your SSIS packages in ADF based on real-world experience. Maximizing SSIS… Read More
Comprehensive On-Premises Reporting with SQL Server Reporting Services 2016
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2016 delivers an all-in-one reporting platform that supports traditional paginated reports, mobile reports, and business intelligence (BI) analytics. This latest version introduces numerous improvements that make it the most robust release to date. Revolutionizing Reporting with the Modernized SSRS 2016 Web Portal The release of SQL Server Reporting Services… Read More
Explore the Circle KPI Gauge Custom Visual for Power BI
In this comprehensive tutorial, you will discover how to utilize the Circle KPI Gauge, a powerful Power BI custom visual designed to represent a single measure value through a visually appealing circular gauge. This guide will walk you through the core features, customization options, and practical applications of this visual. Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the… Read More
Arrange, Act, Assert: A Proven Framework for BI and Data Warehouse Testing
Effective data testing is critical to the success of any Business Intelligence (BI) or data warehouse initiative. If you’re not currently including testing in your data lifecycle, it’s time to prioritize it. Testing helps ensure data quality, reliability, and consistency—ultimately enabling smarter, data-driven decisions and reducing costly errors down the road. In our “Real World… Read More
Enhancing Data Governance with Power BI Premium
Data governance has become a crucial focus for organizations, especially those managing complex BI environments. During my recent BI engagement in New York’s financial district, the importance of well-governed data stood out more than ever. Fortunately, Microsoft offers robust features in Power BI Premium that support enterprise-scale data governance strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore… Read More
Understanding When to Use Azure Logic Apps vs Azure Functions
If you’re new to the Azure cloud platform, choosing between Azure Logic Apps and Azure Functions can be confusing at first. Both are powerful tools used for automation and integration in cloud workflows, but they serve different purposes. This guide provides clarity on what makes each service unique, how they work together, and when to… Read More
How to Filter Records for the Current User in Power Apps
One of the most common questions asked during PowerApps training sessions is: Can I filter gallery records to show only those created by or assigned to the logged-in user? The good news is — absolutely, yes! Filtering records by user is not only possible, but it’s also a best practice for creating personalized and secure… Read More
Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Azure Databricks to Azure Blob Storage
In this continuation of the Azure Every Day series, we’re diving into how to seamlessly connect Azure Databricks to an Azure Storage Account, specifically using Blob Storage. Whether you’re new to Databricks or expanding your Azure knowledge, understanding this connection is critical for managing files and datasets within your data pipeline. This tutorial will walk… Read More