Fresh off the heels of Microsoft Ignite, we’re back with another episode of Fabric Threads!

As 2024 winds down, Microsoft Fabric is closing the year with major announcements and features that set the stage for an exciting future.

On this special episode of Fabric Threads, we share two amazing November Fabric updates alongside two of our favorite takeaways from Microsoft Ignite—most notably, the long-awaited write-back addition to Power BI and Fabric!

Microsoft Ignite Takeaways

Let’s dive into the announcements that received the biggest buzz at Microsoft Ignite. Jill and I attended the event, so we got to be part of the excitement and the first to hear about write-back and Fabric databases.

Write-Back to Fabric Databases With Power BI

One of the most talked-about features of Microsoft Ignite was the ability to write back directly to Fabric Databases using Power BI.

At Collectiv, we’ve been implementing write-back capabilities for years, enabling planning and forecasting solutions for hundreds of organizations. So this feature announcement really stood out to our team.

This functionality lets users modify data and perform scenario planning without leaving the Power BI environment, creating a seamless two-way interaction with data.

By eliminating the need for external tools, write-back functionality empowers planning and forecasting teams to adjust data in real time. This is particularly beneficial for decision-makers who need immediate and actionable insights.

The feature can make an impact across the entire organization, from financial planning and budgeting to operational management and inventory planning. Teams can now engage in scenario forecasting and other dynamic processes with increased speed and flexibility.

I realized just how significant this announcement was when I posted about it on LinkedIn. That post got over 200,000 impressions, 2,500+ reactions, and almost 200 comments and reposts.

In the comments, everyone was eager about the release timeline as well as how this write-back enhancement will impact their day-to-day processes across their organization. This is a planning game-changer and we can’t wait to use this feature as it rolls out in 2025.

Fabric Databases Powered by SQL Server

Microsoft announced Fabric databases as the biggest addition to Fabric since its launch. This feature integrates the power of SQL Server into the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem.

This is such an important feature because SQL Server has always been Microsoft’s flagship database product. They’ve had the on-premise version, the Azure SQL version, and now they’re bringing that functionality to Fabric.

Fabric databases allow you to bring together transactional and analytical data processing—which traditionally has had to be done in an on-premise SQL Server or Azure SQ—into a single ecosystem, meaning finance, operations, and other teams can work within the same platform, streamlining processes that previously required multiple tools.

This unification allows businesses to operate with a single license and security model, reducing complexity and enabling real-time insights.

Industries dealing with huge amounts of operational data coming in at all times are really going to benefit from streamlining these analytics processes.

Microsoft Fabric November Update

It’s difficult to top these two announcements from Microsoft Ignite, but the Microsoft Fabric November

Update was packed with exciting enhancements that showcase Microsoft’s commitment to empowering organizations with cutting-edge tools.

Preview of Copilot in Power BI Mobile Apps

This next feature has been long-awaited: Copilot for Power BI is now available on mobile!

Traditionally, Copilot’s capabilities were limited to the Power BI service on desktops or laptops. Now, with the mobile app, users can interact with their data in real time using natural language questions directly from their smartphones or tablets.

This enhancement is designed for flexibility. Highly mobile roles like sales representatives, consultants, and field managers are best positioned to reap the benefits of this feature.

Whether you’re on the shop floor, traveling between client meetings, or working on-site, you can ask Copilot questions about your Power BI reports and receive actionable insights instantly. The feature ensures that professionals are no longer tethered to their desks, allowing decisions to be made wherever and whenever the need arises.

The ability to access data and draw out insights on mobile devices introduced some major opportunities for productivity boosts for businesses. By empowering users to act on insights in real time, organizations can stay agile and responsive in a fast-paced environment.

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a leap forward in how businesses integrate data-driven decision-making into daily operations.

And of course, I have to give the normal Artificial Intelligence caveat. This is a copilot, not a pilot. That means that your ability to feed in the right data and interpret insights most effectively is ultimately going to determine the success of your data analysis.

Real-Time Intelligence General Availability

Real-Time Intelligence moved from preview to General Availability (GA), offering businesses an end-to-end solution for real-time data handling.

By combining the capabilities of Synapse Real-Time Analytics and Data Activator, this feature enables seamless ingestion, transformation, analysis, and action on live data. Users can extract insights in real time and receive alerts when anomalies arise, helping them stay ahead of critical issues.

This update is particularly impactful for industries operating in fast-paced environments like retail, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services.

It supports a variety of use cases, including inventory management, fraud detection, and customer engagement. Teams can optimize operations, mitigate risks, and improve outcomes with instant insights and reduced latency.

Contrary to the misconception that real-time analytics requires advanced technical skills, Microsoft Fabric makes it accessible with a drag-and-drop interface for workflow setup and integration. For custom needs, users can extend functionality through code, ensuring flexibility without complexity.

Real-Time Intelligence equips businesses to act faster and smarter, adapting seamlessly to real-time challenges and opportunities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Microsoft Fabric?

The Microsoft Ignite and Fabric November updates mark significant milestones but also set the tone for what’s to come in 2025.

Features like Fabric databases, write-back functionality, and real-time intelligence demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to empowering businesses with the best-in-class tools for their data.

As we move forward, our focus at Collectiv remains on helping organizations harness the full potential of their data by maximizing these powerful tools in the Microsoft Data Stack.

If you’re looking to level up your data initiatives in 2025, reach out to us to see how Collectiv can step in as the strategic partner you need on your journey.