Power BI JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector

In this article you will learn how to integrate JDBC-ODBC Bridge data to Power BI without coding in just a few clicks (live / bi-directional connection to JDBC-ODBC Bridge). JDBC-ODBC Bridge driver can be used to consume data from any JDBC Driver in non JAVA apps (i.e. Excel, Power BI, C#). Many apps written in C++ or .net (e.g. Excel, Power BI, Informatica) which don’t have direct support for using JAVA based JDBC driver technology..

Using JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector you will be able to connect, read, and write data from within Power BI. Follow the steps below to see how we would accomplish that.

Download  Help File  Buy 

Video Tutorial - Integrate JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI

This video covers following and more so watch carefully. After watching this video follow the steps described in this article.

  • How to download / install required driver for JDBC-ODBC Bridge integration in Power BI
  • How to configure connection for JDBC-ODBC Bridge
  • Features about JDBC Driver (Authentication / Query Language / Examples / Driver UI)
  • Using JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connection in Power BI

Create ODBC Data Source (DSN) based on ZappySys JDBC Driver

To get data from JdbC-OdbcBridge using Power BI we first need to create a DSN (Data Source) which will access data from JdbC-OdbcBridge. We will later be able to read data using Power BI. Perform these steps:

  1. Install ZappySys ODBC PowerPack.

  2. Open ODBC Data Sources (x64):
    Open ODBC Data Source

  3. Create a User Data Source (User DSN) based on ZappySys JDBC Bridge Driver

    ZappySys JDBC Bridge Driver
    Create new System DSN for ZappySys JDBC Bridge Driver
    You should create a System DSN (instead of a User DSN) if the client application is launched under a Windows System Account, e.g. as a Windows Service. If the client application is 32-bit (x86) running with a System DSN, use ODBC Data Sources (32-bit) instead of the 64-bit version.
  4. Now, we need JDBC Bridge Connection. Lets create it. When you see DSN Config Editor with zappysys logo first thing you need to do is change default DSN Name at the top and Configure JDBC Bridge Driver. Enter Credentials (In this Example We have used PostgreSQL Credentials) and then Click on Test Connection to verify your credentials.

    Note: Enter suitable JDBC Driver Credentials, You can read data from any JDBC Driver
    ODBC JDBC Bridge Driver - Create Connection

  5. This example shows how to write simple SOQL query (JDBC Bridge Object Query Language). It uses WHERE clause. For more SOQL Queries click here.
    SOQL is similar to database SQL query language but much simpler and many features you use in database query may not be supported in SOQL (Such as JOIN clause not supported). But you can use following Queries for Insert, Update, Delete and Upsert(Update or Insert record if not found).

    SELECT orderid, customerid, orderdate, orderamount FROM "public"."zappysys"
    ZappySys ODBC Driver - Select Table and Preview Data
  6. Click OK to finish creating the data source

How to read JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in SSIS

In this section we will learn how to configure and use JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector in the ODBC Source to get data from JDBC-ODBC Bridge.

  1. Begin with opening Visual Studio and Create a New Project.

  2. Select Integration Service Project and in new project window set the appropriate name and location for project. And click OK.

  3. In the the new SSIS project screen you will find the following:

    1. SSIS ToolBox on left side bar
    2. Solution Explorer and Property Window on right bar
    3. Control flow, data flow, event Handlers, Package Explorer in tab windows
    4. Connection Manager Window in the bottom
    SSIS Project Screen
    Note: If you don't see ZappySys SSIS PowerPack Task or Components in SSIS Toolbox, please refer to this help link.

  4. Now, Drag and Drop SSIS Data Flow Task from SSIS Toolbox. Double click on the Data Flow Task to see Data Flow designer.
    SSIS Data Flow Task - Drag and Drop

  5. From the SSIS toolbox drag and drop ODBC Source on the dataflow designer surface
    SSIS ODBC Source - Drag and Drop

  6. Double click on ODBC Source component to configure it.

  7. Click on New... button, It will open Configure ODBC Connection Manager, Click on New... button to configure new connection using Connection Manager. SSIS ODBC Source Editor - Create New Connection

  8. Select User OR System DSN from the lists of data source names and then click on Test Connection and you will get Test Connection successful message click on OK to close that message and click on OK to close the Connection Manager window. SSIS ODBC Source Editor - Configure ODBC Connection

  9. ODBC Connection Manager is set. Now, Select Data access mode: Table Name and select your desired table from the list of tables or views then click on Preview... and click on Close and OK button to save configuration settings. SSIS ODBC Source Editor - Configure & Preview

  10. That's it; we are done. In a few clicks we configured the ODBC Source Component to read JDBC-ODBC Bridge data using SSIS.

Read JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI from ODBC

  1. Once you open Power BI Desktop click Get Data to get data from ODBC:
    Power Bi Get Data

  2. A window opens, and then search for "odbc" to get data from ODBC data source:
    Power Bi ODBC Get Data

  3. Another window opens and asks to select a Data Source we already created. Choose JdbC-OdbcBridgeDSN and continue:

    JdbC-OdbcBridgeDSN
    Power Bi Select ZappySys Driver DSN

  4. Most likely, you will be asked to authenticate to a newly created DSN. Just select Windows authentication option together with Use my current credentials option:

    JdbC-OdbcBridgeDSN
    Power Bi DSN Authenticaation

  5. Finally, you will be asked to select a table or view to get data from. Select one and load the data!
    Power Bi Load DSN Table Data

  6. Finally, use data extracted from JDBC-ODBC Bridge API in Power BI reports:
    Power Bi Extracted DSN Table Data

Import JDBC-ODBC Bridge data into Power BI from SQL Query

If you wish to import JDBC-ODBC Bridge data from SQL query rather than selecting table name then you can use advanced options during import steps (as below). After selecting DSN you can click on advanced options to see SQL Query editor.

Import JDBC-ODBC Bridge data into Power BI using SQL Query (ODBC Data source)

Import JDBC-ODBC Bridge data into Power BI using SQL Query (ODBC Data source)

Edit Query / Using Parameters in Power BI (Dynamic Query)

In the real world, many values of your REST / SOAP API call may be coming from Parameters. If that's the case for you can try to edit script manually as below. In below example its calling SQL Query with POST method and passing some parameters. Notice below where paraAPIKey is Power BI Parameter (string type). You can use parameters anywhere in your script just like the normal variable.

Import REST API in Power BI - Using parameters in SQL Query (Edit code - Advanced Mode)

 

let
    vKey=paraAPIKey,
    Source = Odbc.Query(
    "dsn=ZS-OData Customers", 
    "SELECT * FROM value WITH (SRC='http://httpbin.org/post'," 
    & "METHOD='POST'," 
    & "HEADER='Content-Type:application/json'," 
    & "BODY=@'{""CallerId"":1111, ""ApiKey"":""" & vKey & """}')")
in
Source

Edit Query Settings after Import

There will be a time you need to change initial Query after dataset import in Power BI. Not to worry, just follow these steps to edit your SQL.

Edit Power BI Data Source SQL after SOAP Web Service Import

Edit Power BI Data Source SQL after REST / SOAP Web Service Import

Using DirectQuery Option rather than Import

So far we have seen how to Import REST API data into Power BI but what if you have too much data and you dont want to import but link it. Power BI Offers very useful feature for this scenario. Its called DirectQuery Option. In this section we will explore how to use DirectQuery along with ZappySys Drivers. Out of the box ZappySys Drivers wont work in ODBC Connection Mode so you have to use SQL Server Connection rather than ODBC if you wish to use Live data using DirectQuery option. See below step by step instructions to enable DirectQuery mode in Power BI for REST API data. Basically we will use ZappySys Data Gateway its part of ODBC PowerPack. We will then use Linked Server in SQL Server to Link API Service and then we will issue OPENROWSET queries from Power BI to SQL Server and it will then call REST API via ZappySys Data Gateway.

Step-By-Step - How to query JDBC-ODBC Bridge API in SQL Server

  1. First read this article carefully, How to query JDBC-ODBC Bridge API in SQL Server.
  2. Once linked server is configured we are ready to issue API query in Power BI.
  3. Click Get Data in Power BI, select SQL Server Database
  4. Enter your server name and any database name
  5. Select Mode as DirectQuery
  6. Click on Advanced and enter query like below (we are assuming you have created JSON Data Source in Data Gateway and defined linked server (Change name below).
    Select * from OPENQUERY(JDBC-ODBC BRIDGE_LINKED_SERVER,'SELECT * FROM Customers')
    Select * from OPENQUERY(
    JDBC-ODBC BRIDGE_LINKED_SERVER,
    'SELECT * FROM Customers'
    )
    DirectQuery option for Power BI (Read REST API Data Example using SQL Server Linked Server and ZappySys Data Gateway)


    DirectQuery option for Power BI (Read REST API Data Example using SQL Server Linked Server and ZappySys Data Gateway)

  7. Click OK and Load data ... That's it. Now your JDBC-ODBC Bridge API data is linked rather than imported.

Working with Gateways in Power BI (Schedule Import)

If the data needs to be updated, it is necessary to create a gateway on-premises. In this new section, we will install a Power BI Gateway and in the next section schedule it to update the REST API information.
  1. In the last section, we Published the report. Power BI may ask you to SIGN IN.
    Sign in Power BI

    Sign in Power BI

  2. Select the Workspace and select Datasets
    Go do workspace and select dataset

    Go to workspace and dataset

  3. Right-click the report and select Settings.
    Define settings for Power BI report

    Specify settings for the report

  4. The system will ask for a Gateway. Stay here.
    add power bi gateway

    Add Power BI Gateway

  5. Use the following link to install a Data Gateway:
    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/service-gateway-onprem
  6. Run the installer and press Next
    Initial gateway window for installation

    Gateway installer

  7. Select the option On-premises data gateway (recommended). This option allows access to multiple users and can be used by more applications than Power BI.
    Choose Power BI gateway

    Choose Power BI option

  8. The installer will show a warning message.
    Warning message gateway installation

    Warning message during installation

  9. Select the path to install and check the I accept the terms.
    accept terms

    Accept terms

  10. Specify the email address to use the gateway.
    Register email in gateway installation

    Register email address

  11. After entering the email, write the gateway name and a recovery key. Make sure to confirm the recovery key.
    Specify name and recovery key

    Enter recovery key

Manage gateways and configure the schedule

Once that the gateway is installed we will configure it and add the connection strings.
  1. The next step is to go to manage gateway
    Power BI - Manage Gateway Setting

    Power BI - Manage Gateway Setting

  2. In order to get the connection string, we will need the connection string of the ZappySys JSON Driver. In the first section of this post, we explained how to configure it. Press Copy Connection String
    ZappySys connection properties

    Connection properties

  3. Once that the data is copied, add a New data Source. In Data Source Name, enter the Data Source Name of the ZappySys JSON driver in step 13 and in Data Source Type, select ODBC. In connection string copy and paste from the clipboard of the step 13 and press Add.
    Zappy connection properties

    ZappySys connection properties in Power BI

  4. Once added the gateway. You can see the schedule refresh to On and Add another time to add the time where you want to refresh the data.
    Schedule gateway

    Schedule gateway

Create Custom Store Procedure in ZappySys Driver

You can create procedures to encapsulate custom logic and then only pass handful parameters rather than long SQL to execute your API call.

Steps to create Custom Store Procedure in ZappySys Driver. You can insert Placeholders anywhere inside Procedure Body. Read more about placeholders here

  1. Go to Custom Objects Tab and Click on Add button and Select Add Procedure:
    ZappySys Driver - Add Store Procedure

  2. Enter the desired Procedure name and click on OK:
    ZappySys Driver - Add Store Procedure Name

  3. Select the created Store Procedure and write the your desired store procedure and Save it and it will create the custom store procedure in the ZappySys Driver:
    Here is an example stored procedure for ZappySys Driver. You can insert Placeholders anywhere inside Procedure Body. Read more about placeholders here

    CREATE PROCEDURE [usp_get_orders]
        @fromdate = '<<yyyy-MM-dd,FUN_TODAY>>'
     AS
        SELECT * FROM Orders where OrderDate >= '<@fromdate>';
    

    ZappySys Driver - Create Custom Store Procedure

  4. That's it now go to Preview Tab and Execute your Store Procedure using Exec Command. In this example it will extract the orders from the date 1996-01-01:

    Exec usp_get_orders '1996-01-01';

    ZappySys Driver - Execute Custom Store Procedure

  5. Let's generate the SQL Server Query Code to make the API call using store procedure. Go to Code Generator Tab, select language as SQL Server and click on Generate button the generate the code.
    As we already created the linked server for this Data Source, in that you just need to copy the Select Query and need to use the linked server name which we have apply on the place of [MY_API_SERVICE] placeholder.

    SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([MY_API_SERVICE], 'EXEC [usp_get_orders] ''1996-01-01''')

    ZappySys Driver - Generate SQL Server Query

  6. Now go to SQL served and execute that query and it will make the API call using store procedure and provide you the response.
    ZappySys Driver - Generate SQL Server Query

Create Custom Virtual Table in ZappySys Driver

ZappySys API Drivers support flexible Query language so you can override Default Properties you configured on Data Source such as URL, Body. This way you don't have to create multiple Data Sources if you like to read data from multiple EndPoints. However not every application support supplying custom SQL to driver so you can only select Table from list returned from driver.

Many applications like MS Access, Informatica Designer wont give you option to specify custom SQL when you import Objects. In such case Virtual Table is very useful. You can create many Virtual Tables on the same Data Source (e.g. If you have 50 URLs with slight variations you can create virtual tables with just URL as Parameter setting.

  1. Go to Custom Objects Tab and Click on Add button and Select Add Table:
    ZappySys Driver - Add Table

  2. Enter the desired Table name and click on OK:
    ZappySys Driver - Add Table Name

  3. And it will open the New Query Window Click on Cancel to close that window and go to Custom Objects Tab.

  4. Select the created table, Select Text Type AS SQL and write the your desired SQL Query and Save it and it will create the custom table in the ZappySys Driver:
    Here is an example SQL query for ZappySys Driver. You can insert Placeholders also. Read more about placeholders here

    SELECT
      "ShipCountry",
      "OrderID",
      "CustomerID",
      "EmployeeID",
      "OrderDate",
      "RequiredDate",
      "ShippedDate",
      "ShipVia",
      "Freight",
      "ShipName",
      "ShipAddress",
      "ShipCity",
      "ShipRegion",
      "ShipPostalCode"
    FROM "Orders"
    Where "ShipCountry"='USA'

    ZappySys Driver - Create Custom Table

  5. That's it now go to Preview Tab and Execute your custom virtual table query. In this example it will extract the orders for the USA Shipping Country only:

    SELECT * FROM "vt__usa_orders_only"

    ZappySys Driver - Execute Custom Virtual Table Query

  6. Let's generate the SQL Server Query Code to make the API call using store procedure. Go to Code Generator Tab, select language as SQL Server and click on Generate button the generate the code.
    As we already created the linked server for this Data Source, in that you just need to copy the Select Query and need to use the linked server name which we have apply on the place of [MY_API_SERVICE] placeholder.

    SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([MY_API_SERVICE], 'EXEC [usp_get_orders] ''1996-01-01''')

    ZappySys Driver - Generate SQL Server Query

  7. Now go to SQL served and execute that query and it will make the API call using store procedure and provide you the response.
    ZappySys Driver - Generate SQL Server Query

Conclusion

In this article we discussed how to connect to JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI and integrate data without any coding. Click here to Download JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector for Power BI and try yourself see how easy it is. If you still have any question(s) then ask here or simply click on live chat icon below and ask our expert (see bottom-right corner of this page).

Download JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector for Power BI Documentation 


Other App Integration scenarios for JDBC-ODBC Bridge

Other Connectors for Power BI


Download JDBC-ODBC Bridge Connector for Power BI Documentation 

  • How to connect JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI?

  • How to get JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI?

  • How to read JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI?

  • How to load JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI?

  • How to import JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI?

  • How to pull JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI?

  • How to push data to JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI?

  • How to write data to JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI?

  • How to POST data to JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI?

  • Call JDBC-ODBC Bridge API in Power BI

  • Consume JDBC-ODBC Bridge API in Power BI

  • JDBC-ODBC Bridge Power BI Automate

  • JDBC-ODBC Bridge Power BI Integration

  • Integration JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI

  • Consume real-time JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI

  • Consume realtime JDBC-ODBC Bridge API data in Power BI

  • JDBC-ODBC Bridge ODBC Driver | ODBC Driver for JDBC-ODBC Bridge | ODBC JDBC-ODBC Bridge Driver | SSIS JDBC-ODBC Bridge Source | SSIS JDBC-ODBC Bridge Destination

  • Connect JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI

  • Load JDBC-ODBC Bridge in Power BI

  • Load JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI

  • Read JDBC-ODBC Bridge data in Power BI

  • JDBC-ODBC Bridge API Call in Power BI