Why Did Microsoft Rename Datasets to Semantic Models?

Microsoft's recent renaming of the underlying database in Power BI from "dataset" to "semantic model" (or "semantic data model") is the focus of this article. The term "semantic" refers to a method for organizing and representing data in a way that is conceptually meaningful. This change reflects Microsoft's desire to shift the conversation from data storage to data modeling and analysis.

By changing the name, Microsoft is emphasizing the importance of thinking about data models as more than just a place to store data. Instead, data models can be used to reflect real-world concepts and relationships, making analysis more intuitive and easier to understand. This shift in mindset can also help bridge the gap between business users and IT professionals, as both groups can work together to develop a shared understanding of the data.

If you're a Power BI user, it's important to be aware of this change and to start thinking about your data models in a more semantic way. With this in mind, you'll be better equipped to leverage the full potential of Power BI and create more meaningful, impactful reports.

The post Why Did Microsoft Rename Datasets to Semantic Models? originally appeared on Excelerator BI.