US PRODUCT RESEARCH

Microsoft Power BI

BI authoring and sharing integrated with Microsoft's Fabric analytics environment.

Checked Oct 15, 2026 · 15 official sources · Desk research

Business intelligence

A GOOD FIT WHEN

Teams building governed reports within a Microsoft-oriented data stack.

Broad data connectors
Semantic modeling and reports
Row-level security

LOOK MORE CLOSELY WHEN

You assume a Pro or Premium Per User seat alone unlocks Copilot.

Sharing and capacity licensing need planning
Copilot needs paid capacity
Some AI experiences are previews

CATEGORY-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE

Capabilities, controls and depth.

Scores combine core capabilities and workflow depth. Full support earns full points; limited support earns half. Unverified features create a range, and paid-plan requirements are shown in the evidence. How scoring works →

Business intelligence · 28 features

81–100/100 documented fit

Core capabilities25.6–32 / 32 pts8/10 checks with established status

Workflow depth55.5–68 / 68 pts13/18 checks with established status

Show checksShowing fewer rows does not change the score.

Business intelligence · 28 weighted capability checks
Feature / weight	Support, evidence & points
Core capabilityDatabase connectionsConnect analytics to a database or data warehouse. 4 points maximum	Supported4 / 4 pts Database connectors are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityFile or spreadsheet connectionsImport or connect to file or spreadsheet data sources. 4 points maximum	Supported4 / 4 pts File connectors are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkScheduled refresh configurationConfigure refresh timing for a connected dataset or extract. 5.6 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Set a daily refresh and show the last successful and next scheduled runs. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Semantic model settings provide scheduled refresh and failure notifications; refresh history exposes errors for diagnosis. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkRefresh failure visibility and recoverySurface a failed refresh and provide a documented retry or diagnostic route. 6.4 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Break a test connection, show the failure detail, then restore and retry it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts Semantic model settings provide scheduled refresh and failure notifications; refresh history exposes errors for diagnosis. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityData preparation or transformationClean, combine or transform data before reporting. 4 points maximum	Not verified0–4 / 4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish data preparation or transformation at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityReusable measures or semantic modelDefine reusable measures, calculations or a shared analytical model. 4 points maximum	Supported4 / 4 pts Semantic models and DAX define reusable analytical measures. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkExplicit data relationshipsInspect or define joins, relationships or associations between source tables. 5.6 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Join orders to customers and show how duplicate keys affect the result. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported5.6 / 5.6 pts Model view exposes relationship columns, cardinality, active state and filter direction. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkCalculation or model validationValidate a measure/model, preview transformations or inspect errors before publishing. 6.4 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Introduce an invalid calculation or transformation and show the validation error before release. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported6.4 / 6.4 pts DAX authoring identifies syntax, semantic and calculation errors while defining formulas. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityInteractive dashboards or reportsBuild dashboards or reports that support interactive viewing. 3.2 points maximum	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Interactive report authoring and sharing are documented. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityExploration and drill-downExplore underlying data or alter an analytical view interactively. 3.2 points maximum	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Report interaction supports analytical exploration. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkDrill to relevant underlying detailNavigate from an aggregate visual to a filtered detail view or underlying rows. 4.8 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Select one segment and show only the underlying records behind it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Drillthrough opens a detail page filtered to the selected entity; the author configures the destination fields. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkExport filtered analytical dataExport analytical data while retaining the relevant filters or selection context. 4.8 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Filter a report to one region and show that the exported rows reflect that scope. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4.8 / 4.8 pts Exports retain visual filtering; summarized and underlying data have separate permissions and documented row limits. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityData-access restrictionsControl access to analytical data using row, model or comparable data permissions. 2.4 points maximum	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Configured row-level security restricts rows. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityPublishing and workspace permissionsControl who can publish, edit or manage analytical content. 2.4 points maximum	Not verified0–2.4 / 2.4 pts The reviewed documentation does not establish publishing and workspace permissions at this feature level. This is an evidence gap, not a finding that the capability is absent. Not verified · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkTest restricted analytical accessTest or inspect how row/model permissions affect an ordinary user’s view. 3.2 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Show the same report as two users with different permitted data. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Test as role previews report data restrictions. DirectQuery with SSO and some AI views are excluded; use a real viewer session for those cases. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkData lineage or impact visibilityInspect upstream/downstream dependencies before changing a data model or published dataset. 4 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Select a dataset and show which reports depend on it before a field change. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4 / 4 pts Lineage view exposes upstream/downstream workspace artifacts and external sources; requires an eligible workspace role and Pro license. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityNatural-language analyticsAsk questions or obtain explanations about analytical data. 2.4 points maximum	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Copilot answers data questions; capacity, region and administrator requirements apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Core capabilityAI report or calculation assistanceUse AI to create or alter a report, visual, calculation or analytical workflow. 2.4 points maximum	Supported2.4 / 2.4 pts Copilot creates reports and assists DAX; Pro/PPU alone is insufficient. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkAI grounded in governed models or sourcesDocument that analytical AI uses configured models, permitted datasets or identified source context. 3.2 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Ask an ambiguous metric question and show which model or data source the answer uses. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported3.2 / 3.2 pts Copilot summaries use report data and link citations to supporting visuals. Eligible capacity, region and administrator enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkInspect AI reasoning artifacts or source detailInspect generated calculation/query, cited source or other supporting artifact behind an AI analytical answer. 4 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Ask AI for a result, then open the source, calculation or query needed to verify it. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported4 / 4 pts Copilot summaries use report data and link citations to supporting visuals. Eligible capacity, region and administrator enablement apply. Official documentation · Oct 15, 2026Source
Depth checkHide individual model columns and their metadataDemonstrate: Hide individual model columns and their metadata. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Hide individual model columns and their metadata. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts OLS hides selected columns and their metadata. Semantic-model OLS, model roles and viewer restrictions; editing roles and unsupported features require review. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkCertify trusted datasets or metricsDemonstrate: Certify trusted datasets or metrics. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Certify trusted datasets or metrics. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkRetain sensitivity protection in supported exportsDemonstrate: Retain sensitivity protection in supported exports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Retain sensitivity protection in supported exports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Supported exports preserve sensitivity labels and configured protection. Purview labels/licensing and encryption configuration required; only supported export paths retain protection. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkProduce parameterised paginated reportsDemonstrate: Produce parameterised paginated reports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Produce parameterised paginated reports. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkTrace slow visual queriesDemonstrate: Trace slow visual queries. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Trace slow visual queries. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkRecalculate with user-controlled scenario parametersDemonstrate: Recalculate with user-controlled scenario parameters. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Recalculate with user-controlled scenario parameters. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkWrite approved planning inputs to a source systemDemonstrate: Write approved planning inputs to a source system. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Write approved planning inputs to a source system. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Not verified0–2.5 / 2.5 pts This specific check has not been verified. Missing evidence does not mean the capability is absent. Ask for a demonstration in the proposed plan. Not verified · Oct 21, 2026Source
Depth checkTranslate model labels for report readersDemonstrate: Translate model labels for report readers. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. 2.5 points maximum Ask for a demonstration Demonstrate: Translate model labels for report readers. State the plan, limits and behaviour on failure. Use a restricted dataset and two different reader roles. A scenario to run with the supplier; not a completed product test.	Supported2.5 / 2.5 pts Model captions can be translated for reader locales. Tabular-model metadata translations for supported Fabric/Power BI Premium models; client locale must be provided. Global capability evidence; local plan availability and interface language are not inferred. Official documentation · Oct 21, 2026Source

Compare in Business intelligence →

AI CAPABILITY CHECK

What does its AI actually do?

Native AI capabilities

Copilot can answer data questions, create reports, and assist with DAX.

Official AI source

Documented capabilities

Report summaries
DAX assistance
Report creation

Limits to check

F2+ Fabric or P1+ capacity required
Pro/PPU alone is insufficient
Supported-region and admin requirements

Understand the full price

Pro $14/user/month paid yearly; Premium Per User $24.

Billing basis: annual. Unit: per user/month, annual billing. Currency: USD.

Fabric capacity for Copilot
Warehouse, gateway, and embedded costs as applicable

Verify current pricing with the vendor

Integrations and deployment

Excel
SQL Server
Supported cloud databases

RLS restricts rows for viewers; workspace roles require careful configuration.

US buying context

US Microsoft pricing verified; capacity and regional requirements are separate.

The evidence record

Pro is $14/user/month paid yearly

Official evidence

Copilot requires organizational capacity

Official evidence

Semantic-model preparation affects AI answers

Official evidence

RLS can restrict visible rows

Official evidence

Source library

Research is based on documentation, not a hands-on performance test. Report a correction.

EXPLORE THE ALTERNATIVES

Keep your options open.

Business intelligence alternatives · highest documented score first.

78–100/100 documented fit

Tableau

Visual analytics with Cloud, Server, and Salesforce-oriented Tableau Next options.

Good fit forOrganizations emphasizing interactive exploration and varied analytical audiences.

Custom quoteroles or capacity; annual contract

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70–100/100 documented fit

Domo

A cloud data platform combining integration, analytics, applications, and AI services.

Good fit forBusinesses seeking a connected data-to-dashboard-to-action platform.

Usage basedconsumption credits

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63–100/100 documented fit

Qlik Cloud Analytics

Cloud analytics with associative exploration, data connections, and Qlik Answers AI.

Good fit forTeams combining interactive exploration with capacity-oriented analytics purchasing.

$300.00per month, annual billing; 10 users/10 GB · billed annually

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