We’re excited to announce the availability of two new query histogram distribution charts. One is bucketed by query durations(ms) and the other is by query wait times(ms). Query histogram distribution metrics along with existing comprehensive view of datasets refreshes, dataset evictions, dataset queries in general and system metrics, provide a more in-depth and complete picture of the capacity’s overall health. This app enabled Power BI admins and capacity admins to make informed, data driven decision in-order to make the best use of the capacity.
Query Metrics(new)
Query metrics are now split by Query Durations and Query Waits button on the top of the datasets page.
We have added two new charts to existing query metrics
| Marker on the chart | Description of Query Histogram Charts |
| 1. | In the Query Duration tab, the query duration distribution histograms is bucketed by query durations reported in milliseconds into <= 30ms , 30-100ms , 100-300ms , 300ms-1sec , 1sec-3sec , 3sec-10sec , 10sec-30sec and > 30 seconds intervals |
| 2. | In the Query Wait tab, the query wait time distribution histograms is bucketed by query wait time reported in milliseconds into <= 50ms , 50-100ms , 100-200ms , 200-400ms 400ms-1sec , 1 sec-5 sec and > 5 seconds intervals |
The Query Histograms can be helpful visuals, showing the percentage of queries running or waiting for a given interval. For instance, bigger buckets of over 5 seconds of query durations or bigger buckets of over 30 seconds of query wait times could be a sign that a capacity running hot. It may also mean that the datasets themselves could benefit from optimizations and further investigation is needed.
Installing the app
Let’s get started by installing the service app. If you have a previous version of the app already installed, it’s best to delete it from your apps and then hit refresh to avoid confusion with versions.
The app can be installed by searching for “Power BI Premium Capacity Metrics” in the Power BI apps or by clicking here to get it now.
Additional steps to use the Premium Capacity Monitoring app with Power BI Embedded
This same app can be used to monitor any A SKU capacities you may have in Power BI Embedded. They will appear in the report provided you’re an admin of the capacity and have granted certain permissions to Power BI on your A SKUs. This can be done by the admin of the A SKUs , by opening this capacity in the Azure portal, clicking on Access control (IAM) and adding the “Power BI Premium” app to the Reader role. If unable to find the app by name, you can also add it by its client Id: cb4dc29f-0bf4-402a-8b30-7511498ed654.
Moving forward
Now that you have the app installed, you can see metrics about all the capacities in your organization for which you are an admin. You can now make more informed decisions and more effectively manage the premium capacities, workspaces and datasets in your organization. These metrics are just the start. More detailed metrics and tooling will become available in the following weeks and months. And be sure to submit your ideas for more any suggestions.
Learn more about what Power BI premium is, managing premium capacities and how Power BI Premium works.
Check out "Managing Microsoft Power BI Premium capacities to your entire organization" YouTube session by Josh Caplan and Adam Saxton at Ignite 2018.