End-to-End Azure SQL Automation with Bicep and DevOps Pipelines
Learn how to fully automate the creation of an Azure SQL Server, database, and BACPAC deployment using Bicep and YAML pipelines—plus how to work around real-world issues
Latest
MSFT Zero to Hero - SQL Meets Fabric
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of presenting a live session as part of the Microsoft Zero to Hero series, focused on a topic close to my heart: modernizing SQL workloads in Microsoft Fabric without starting from scratch.
Dataverse Meets Fabric - What About Monitoring?
Learn how to monitor your Dataverse-to-Fabric integration—whether via Synapse Link or Direct Link. From system table tracking to custom alerting, this article helps you ensure your data pipeline stays healthy and up-to-date.
Dataverse Meets Fabric - Direct Link
Discover how to seamlessly connect Dataverse to Microsoft Fabric using the native Link to Fabric option. No infrastructure needed—just a few clicks to get your data flowing into a Fabric Lakehouse, ready for analytics and Power BI integration.
Dataverse Meets Fabric - Link via Azure Synapse Analytics
Learn how to integrate Dataverse with Microsoft Fabric using Azure Synapse Link. This step-by-step guide walks you through the setup using Bicep, YAML pipelines, and best practices for a scalable, Azure-native data pipeline.
Dataverse Meets Fabric -Comparing Dataverse Sync Options
Compare the two official ways to sync Dataverse data with Microsoft Fabric—Link to Fabric (Direct) and Link via Azure Synapse. Understand the pros, cons, use cases, and cost differences to choose the right path for your BI architecture.
Dataverse Meets Fabric (Series)
Introduction I'm currently working with a visionary Swedish company that wants to move forward with Microsoft Fabric... it’s this innovative spirit that has led them to adopt Fabric as their core data platform. As part of their digital ecosystem, they Dynamics 365 to run business operations. Naturally,
Dataverse Meets Fabric - Why Fabric Really Makes Sense!
Discover why Microsoft Fabric is a strategic upgrade for organizations using Dynamics 365. From tighter integration to simplified architecture, we break down the business case for moving from other data platforms
The TMSL to TMDL Switch (Part 2): I Did My Homework!
A while ago, I wrote “Why Microsoft, WHY!!!!?” about Fabric’s shift from TMSL (JSON) to TMDL (YAML-like). That sparked debate—some said both are API-supported, and reports stay JSON. So, I did my homework! This follow-up confirms what’s true, what’s not, and what I uncovered.
The Elusive artifactId in Fabric Data Pipelines and Where to Find It
Struggling to find the elusive artifactId in Fabric Data Pipelines? You’re not alone! This critical identifier isn’t the lakehouseId, and worse—it’s hidden from the API. Discover where it actually resides, why it’s breaking CI/CD automation, and why Microsoft must make it accessible.
The TMSL to TMDL Switch: A CI/CD Nightmare for Microsoft Fabric
Introduction For those of us automating Microsoft Fabric, life was good. TMSL (Tabular Model Scripting Language) used JSON, which made programmatic manipulation easy. Need to apply CI/CD? No problem! JSON’s structured format, clear syntax, and robust tooling made it a natural fit. Then came TMDL (Tabular Model Definition
Navigating the Shift from Synapse to Fabric
Navigating the Shift from Synapse explores the challenges enterprises face when evaluating their next data platform. From cost predictability vs. pay-as-you-go to performance; I share insights from a Fabric Data Analyst in a Day, where the debate between Fabric and Databricks took center stage
Fabric
Fabric Lakehouse schemas explained!
Microsoft Fabric's new Lakehouse Schemas provide a structured way to organize tables, making Medallion Architecture easier to implement. They improve data discovery and management, reducing reliance on naming conventions for a clearer, more efficient workflow.
Fabric
Unlocking Fabric Automation: Lessons, Possibilities, and Real-World Insights
Join me as I introduce FabricCatalyst, a PowerShell-driven solution that automates Microsoft Fabric deployments using the Fabric REST API. Discover three deployment approaches—Auto, Custom, and Map—along with real-world use cases, challenges, and insights to kickstart your automation journey!
Fabric
SQL Meets Fabric (Series)
Explore the SQL Meets Fabric series! Learn how to migrate Azure SQL databases into Microsoft Fabric with tools like mirrored databases, DACPACs, and BACPACs. Unlock real-time analytics, modernize workflows, and bridge legacy SQL systems with Fabric’s cutting-edge ecosystem.
SQL
SQL to Fabric: The Power of Mirrored Databases
Discover how Fabric Mirrored Databases revolutionize Azure SQL integration! Learn to mirror schemas and data in real-time into Microsoft Fabric’s ecosystem, enabling analytics and AI without complex ETL. Unlock seamless data workflows and maximize your SQL investments!
Fabric
SQL Meets Fabric: Migrate and version-control your SQL workloads
Unlock the potential of Fabric SQL Databases! Learn how to migrate your SQL workloads using familiar tools like Database Projects, DACPACs, and BACPACs. Preserve your existing investments while embracing Fabric’s ecosystem with seamless schema and data transitions.
SQL
SQL Meets Fabric: Why SQL Databases Are a Game-Changer
Discover the new SQL Database experience in Microsoft Fabric! Learn how to create, manage, and migrate SQL databases with Git integration, Database Projects, and CI/CD workflows. Watch as I modernize an existing database seamlessly—perfect for SQL pros ready to embrace the future!
Automating workspace updates using Fabric's 'Update From Git' REST API.
In response to a reader's question, this article outlines my suggested approach to automating workspace updates using Fabric's 'Update From Git' REST API. I’ll explain how to streamline the process with commits pushed to the connected branch.
Demystifying Fabric Deployment Pipelines
In this video, we will demystify Microsoft Fabric Deployment Pipelines! What they are, how to create them but most importantly, how to use them with a hands-on/real-world demo using two of the most commonly use and currently supported Fabric items: semantics models and Python notebooks.
Automating Fabric's Deployment Pipelines & Workspaces
Solution automates key tasks for managing Azure Fabric workspaces & deployment pipelines; It handles the creation of new workspaces, connects workspaces to Git repositories, creates and manages deployment pipelines, assigns users and roles to workspaces and pipelines.
AzDO Pipelines
Data Saturday Oslo 2024
In this session I'll show you how to 1) Provision your Workspace infrastructure with BICEP, 2) Configure SCIM and use Azure's Entra ID security groups, 3) deploy your Notebooks across environments with DevOps YAML Pipelines and 4) Orchestrate your Notebooks via Azure Data Factory.
Approach 1. Sandbox Workspace for Each Developer
The video provides a comprehensive overview of working with Git-enabled workspaces in Microsoft Fabric, illustrating the workflow from individual development to collaborative integration and final deployment.
Fabric Deployment Pipelines
Working with Git-enabled Workspaces in Fabric (Series)
The primary goal of this series is to show you how to working with Git-enabled Workspaces in Fabric using two approaches: Sandbox Workspace for Each Developer or Tied to Specific User Stories.