The data management landscape is constantly evolving, and Microsoft is at the forefront with its latest feature: the Fabric Org App. Currently in public preview, this innovative addition enhances the functionality of Power BI workspace apps by integrating them into Microsoft Fabric as a new item type. Let’s explore the key features, advantages, and the steps to get started with this exciting new tool.
Key Features of Fabric Org App
- Multiple Apps per Workspace: Fabric Org Apps allow users to create multiple apps within a single workspace, a significant enhancement over traditional Power BI apps. This feature is particularly useful for tailoring unique experiences for different groups without the need to duplicate content across workspaces.
- Enhanced Content Integration: Beyond reports and dashboards, users can now include notebooks and real-time dashboards. This broadens the scope of data professionals who can benefit from these apps, making it a more versatile tool for various data-related tasks.
- Automatic Permissions Management: Simplifying access management, the permissions for semantic models in other workspaces are granted automatically when using Fabric Org Apps. These permissions are also automatically revoked when the app is removed, streamlining the management of user access.
- User Experience Customization: Extensive customization options are available, including branding with custom colors and icons, and configuring navigation to suit user needs. This feature helps in creating a more engaging and personalized user experience.
Advantages Over Traditional Power BI Apps
- Real-Time Updates: Users accessing reports through Fabric Org Apps see the current version of the report, rather than a static version at the time of app publication. This ensures that users always have the most up-to-date information.
- Simplified Sharing and Access: The ability to grant “Share” permissions allows users to share apps more freely, enhancing collaboration without relying solely on workspace roles.
- Installation-Free Access: Unlike Power BI apps, Fabric Org Apps do not require installation for use. They can appear on lists like “Recent on Home,” making them more accessible to users.
Getting Started with Fabric Org Apps
- Selecting “New > Org app (Preview)” from a shared workspace.
- Adding desired content such as reports and notebooks.
- Customizing the app’s branding and navigation settings.
- Sharing the newly created app with others.
Conclusion
The introduction of Fabric Org Apps marks a significant evolution in how organizations manage and distribute data content. With greater flexibility and customization compared to traditional Power BI apps, this feature is set to revolutionize data management and collaboration within organizations.
As this feature is still in public preview, there may be further updates and enhancements before it becomes widely available. However, the current capabilities already show great promise in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of data management processes.
For a detailed demonstration, check out the official Microsoft demo.
Snorre Glemmestad 