What is xVelocity in-memory analytics engine used in Power Pivot? Power BI interview questions and answers 030

What is xVelocity in-memory analytics engine used in Power Pivot? 

There seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the terminology used in Power Pivot and related technologies. While "xVelocity" might come up in older documentation or discussions, it's not currently in use. The actual in-memory analytics engine powering Power Pivot and other Microsoft data analysis tools like Power BI Desktop is called VertiPaq.

Here's a breakdown to clarify:

• xVelocity: This was the internal code name for VertiPaq during its development phase. It's not used anymore and isn't relevant when discussing Power Pivot or modern data analysis tools.

• VertiPaq: This is the actual engine that handles in-memory data processing and storage in Power Pivot, Power BI Desktop, and other Microsoft products. It offers several key benefits, including:

• Fast performance: VertiPaq stores data in columns instead of rows, optimizing it for speed and efficiency. This allows Power Pivot to analyze even large datasets with millions of data points incredibly quickly.

• Compression: VertiPaq effectively compresses data, significantly reducing its memory footprint. This makes Power Pivot accessible for use on personal computers without requiring powerful servers or cloud resources.

• Calculated columns and measures: VertiPaq empowers you to create calculated columns and measures directly within your Power Pivot model. This lets you add new data points, perform complex calculations, and create customized analyses that unlock deeper insights from your data.

• Integration with Power BI: VertiPaq serves as the core engine for Power BI Desktop and other Microsoft data analysis tools, ensuring a consistent and powerful foundation for working with data across different platforms.

So, remember: VertiPaq is the real star of the show when it comes to in-memory analytics in Power Pivot and related tools. If you encounter any references to "xVelocity," it's likely outdated information, and VertiPaq is the term you should be familiar with for understanding the underlying technology.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about VertiPaq, Power Pivot, or data analysis in general!