If you are using Microsoft Fabric, a cloud-based platform that enables you to create, share, and consume business intelligence (BI) content, you may wonder if you can connect to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace. The answer is yes, you can, but there are some considerations and limitations that you need to be aware of.
What is a repository and a workspace in Microsoft Fabric?
A repository is a place where you can store, version, and manage your BI content as code. You can use Git tools, such as GitHub or Azure DevOps, to connect your Fabric workspaces to Git repositories. This allows you to integrate your development processes, tools, and best practices straight into the Fabric platform.
A workspace is a place where you can upload, edit, and share your BI content. You can assign your workspaces to different capacities, such as Premium per user (PPU), Premium Gen1 (P), Premium Gen2 (A), or Embedded (EM), depending on your license type and needs. You can also use deployment pipelines to manage the lifecycle of your BI content in a production environment.
How can I connect to a repository that’s in a different region than my workspace?
To connect to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace, you need to have a capacity license (PPU, P, A, or EM) and be an admin of a workspace that is assigned to a capacity. You also need to have access to a Git repository that is hosted in another region. You can use the following steps to connect your workspace to the repository:
- From the Workspaces flyout, select the workspace that you want to connect to the repository.
- From the Workspace settings, select Git integration.
- Under Branch drop-down, choose Create a new branch, and branch it from the main branch or any other branch.
- In Git folder, enter the name of the folder you want to sync to in your repo.
- In Repository URL, enter the URL of the repository that is hosted in another region. The URL format is PROTOCOL:/ [user@]remoteMachineAddress/path/to/repository.git
- Select Connect.
What are the considerations and limitations of connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than my workspace?
While connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace is possible, there are some things that you need to consider and be aware of:
- Network latency: Connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace may result in slower performance and longer response times. This may affect your sync and deploy operations. To minimize network latency, you may want to choose a repository that is closer to your workspace region or use a CDN service4.
- Data transfer costs: Connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace may incur additional data transfer costs. This may depend on the size of your BI content and the frequency of your sync and deploy operations. To reduce data transfer costs, you may want to optimize your BI content size or limit your sync and deploy frequency.
- Data sovereignty: Connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace may raise data sovereignty issues. This may depend on the laws and regulations of the regions where your data is stored and processed. To comply with data sovereignty requirements, you may want to choose a repository that is in the same region as your workspace or use encryption services.
How to Get Started with Deployment Pipelines in Microsoft Fabric
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than my workspace:
Q: How do I switch between branches in my repository?
A: To switch between branches in your repository, you need to make sure that the current branch is synced and all changes are committed. Then, you can follow these steps:
- From the Workspace settings, select Git integration
- From the dropdown menu, specify the branch you want to connect to. This branch must contain the same directory as the current branch.
- Select Connect.
Q: How do I merge branches in my repository?
A: To merge branches in your repository, you need to use an external tool such as GitHub or Azure DevOps. You can create a pull request (PR) from your source branch to your target branch, and review and approve the changes before merging them. You can also use the REST APIs or DevOps tools to automate your merge process.
Q: How do I deploy content from my repository to my workspace?
A: To deploy content from your repository to your workspace, you need to use deployment pipelines. You can create and manage deployment pipelines from the Workspaces flyout. You can also use the REST APIs or DevOps tools to automate your deployment process.
Conclusion
Connecting to a repository that’s in a different region than your workspace is a feasible option in Microsoft Fabric. However, you need to have the appropriate licenses and permissions, and be aware of the network latency, data transfer costs, and data sovereignty issues that may arise. You can also use various tools and services to optimize your performance, reduce your costs, and comply with your regulations.
