why does cloud azure analysis services need a gateway

Question

Hi. I'm looking at some info on gateway uses and was surprised to see that the cloud azure analysis services needs a gateway. Why would that be true if your cube is in the cloud? And if it isnt, why would someone be using cloud services for analysis service?

Answer 1

Hello db042190,

An on-premises data gateway is required when one or more Azure Analysis Services servers in the same region connect to on-premises data sources.

If your data source is not connecting to on-prem, you don't need an on-prem gateway.

To answer your question: AAS needs a gateway only when connecting to the on-prem DS.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/analysis-services/analysis-services-gateway-install?tabs=azure-portal

The document you have referenced in your comment mentioned the same:

"Gateway software acts like a bridge; it allows organizations to retain databases and other data sources on their on-premises networks and access that on-premises data in cloud services, such as Power BI and Microsoft Azure Analysis Services.

A gateway facilitates quick, behind-the-scenes communication that flows from a user in the cloud to your on-premises data source and then back again to the cloud."

I hope this clarifies your question. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

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