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Description

Power BI is a data visualization tool that leverages connections between different applications (such as an Excel spreadsheet), cloud-based or on-premise data resources. Power BI affords users the ability to connect their data resources and then create data visualizations to share data with stakeholders or assist with the decision-making process within their respective departments.

Power BI is only available on the Desktop for Windows (e.g. Power BI Desktop) or as a Software as a Service (e.g. Power BI Service) for Windows and Mac users. 

NOTE: Power BI can be used to create visualizations and dashboards within MS Lists and this requires a Power BI license (see Licensing section for more information).

Benefits

• Bring All Your Data Together - Connect all your disparate data sources in the same environment to establish a single source of truth for all your data
• Empower Every Data Team - Reshape how your team accesses, manages, and acts on data
• Turn Insights into Impact - Help users make better decisions by infusing insights into the apps you use every day, like those in Microsoft 365.
• Share Insights Everywhere - Easily embed and share reports in your other Microsoft services, including Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Power Platform

Licensing

Power BI is an additional license cost (outside of your UCSF MS365 license) that requires annual renewal. The current license cost for Power BI is still being determined. If you would like to purchase a Power BI license, please contact [email protected] for more information.

NOTE: If you are sharing a Power BI report or dashboard with collaborators or stakeholders, those individuals will need a Power BI license to edit the information in the shared report/ dashboard. 

Support

UCSF IT does not provide application support for Power BI. If you have any questions or encounter any issues with Power BI, it is recommended that you contact Microsoft support. Learn more about support for Microsoft Power BI.

Training

Power BI is a platform to create data visualization from data sources that can be shared with your stakeholders and colleagues. The following links will help you get started with using Power BI:

• Getting Started with Power BI Desktop or Power BI Service
• Connect to Data or On-Premise Data Gateways
• Add a Custom Column (Create Calculated Columns)
• Visualizations Overview
• Intro to Dashboards
• Create a Dashboard
• Share Dashboards and Reports

Requirements and Limitations

Power BI can be accessed by Windows and Mac workstations via the Power BI Service on the web or integration in MS Lists. However, if you have a Windows workstation, you will be able to access Power BI on your desktop.

NOTE: A license is required to access Power BI either on the web or desktop. If you share a Power BI dashboard or report with another user, that user will need a Power BI license to edit the shared dashboard or report.