Top 10 Data Sources You Can Connect with Power BI

Power BI has become one of the most powerful tools for business intelligence and data visualization. But what truly makes it stand out is its ability to connect with a wide variety of data sources — both cloud and on-premises. Whether you’re analyzing sales numbers, web traffic, or customer interactions, Power BI has you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 data sources you can connect with Power BI to supercharge your reporting and insights.

1. Excel

Still the most popular choice! Power BI can directly connect to Excel spreadsheets, making it easy to bring in structured datasets, pivot tables, and charts for deeper analysis.

2. SQL Server

A backbone for many enterprises, SQL Server integrates seamlessly with Power BI. It allows you to build reports directly from transactional or warehouse databases.

3. Azure SQL Database

If your organization has moved to the cloud, Azure SQL Database is the go-to option. It offers scalability, flexibility, and secure access to your data.

4. SharePoint Online & Lists

Perfect for collaboration-heavy teams. You can use SharePoint lists as a structured data source and instantly visualize the data in Power BI.

5. CSV / Text Files

Sometimes the simplest format is the most powerful. CSV and TXT files can be imported into Power BI, making them perfect for ad-hoc datasets and exports from other systems.

6. Web (APIs, Websites, OData Feeds)

Want live data? Power BI can fetch data directly from web pages, REST APIs, and OData feeds. Great for stock market feeds, weather updates, or real-time analytics.

7. Google Analytics

For digital marketers, this is a goldmine. Integrating Google Analytics with Power BI lets you track website performance, user behavior, and campaign ROI in one place.

8. Salesforce

Salesforce data is critical for many organizations. By connecting it with Power BI, you can visualize sales pipelines, customer insights, and opportunities effortlessly.

9. Oracle Database

Many large enterprises rely on Oracle. Power BI provides direct connectivity, ensuring you can pull in critical business data without hassle.

10. Dataverse (formerly Common Data Service)

Dataverse is at the core of Microsoft’s Power Platform. It helps unify data from Dynamics 365 and other business apps, making it easier to analyze and act on.

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