What is the need for Streaming Dataset or Data Streaming when we have a browser refresh every half an hour in Power BI Premium ? Power BI interview questions and answers

 What is the need for Streaming Dataset or Data Streaming when we have a browser refresh every half an hour in Power BI Premium ?

Whether or not you need a Streaming Dataset or Data Streaming in Power BI Premium with a browser refresh every half an hour depends on several factors, including:

Data freshness:

• Half-hour refresh: For data that doesn't change rapidly and a half-hour refresh is sufficient, then streaming might not be necessary. However, if even a 30-minute delay creates an information gap, streaming could be beneficial.

• Real-time or near-real-time needs: If you need to see data updates as they happen or nearly so, then streaming offers a clear advantage.

Data volume and complexity:

• Smaller datasets: For smaller datasets that refresh quickly, streaming may not provide a significant performance improvement.

• Large or complex datasets: For large or complex datasets, streaming can reduce processing time and improve responsiveness, especially when many users are accessing the data.

User interaction:

• Passive consumption: If users simply view reports without active interaction, a half-hour refresh might be enough.

• Interactive dashboards: If users interact with dashboards, filtering or drilling down, streaming can make it feel real-time and avoid waiting for data updates.

Cost and complexity:

• Additional resources: Setting up and maintaining streaming dataflows requires additional resources and technical expertise.

• Premium capacity utilization: If your Power BI Premium capacity is already near its limit, adding streaming dataflows might require upgrading.

Here's a table summarizing the decision points:

Factor	Need for Streaming?
Data freshness	Not needed if half-hour refresh is sufficient
Data volume & complexity	Less important for smaller, simpler datasets
User interaction	More important for interactive dashboards
Cost & complexity	Consider additional resources and potential capacity upgrade

Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you value real-time or near-real-time data, handle large or complex datasets, or require interactive dashboards, then streaming offers significant benefits. However, if a half-hour refresh meets your needs and resources are limited, sticking with the scheduled refresh might be the more practical option.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision about whether or not to use Streaming Dataset or Data Streaming in your Power BI Premium environment.