In this blog post, I’ll be delving into what happens to your data when you use DAX Optimizer. We will answer two key questions: what kind of data is collected in the VPAX file, and where this data is stored and processed.

A brief overview: how DAX Optimizer works

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s refresh on the basic steps required for a DAX Optimizer analysis.

  1. VertiPaq Analyzer: Using tools like DAX Studio, Tabular Editor, or Bravo for Power BI, we extract statistical information from your Power BI or Analysis Services model. The result of this extraction is what we call a VPAX file.
  2. Send your VPAX file: This file is then sent to the DAX Optimizer service.
  3. Analysis and Processing: DAX Optimizer analyzes your VPAX file and adds the results to the file stored in your cloud account.
  4. Review the Recommendations: Once the analysis is done, you can review the recommendations produced by DAX Optimizer online. If you prefer, you can also download the resulting VPAX file, including the analysis, for use by offline tools like Tabular Editor.

Delving deeper: What’s in a VPAX file?

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly does the VPAX file contain? Well, it has the definition of your data model, which includes all the tables, columns, relationships, and measures. It also has statistical information like the number of rows in each table and the number of unique values in each column. However, it’s important to note that the VPAX file contains no actual data from the model. It only holds metadata about the model’s structure.

Keeping it confidential: anonymization of VPAX files

As part of our ongoing commitment to your privacy and confidentiality, we are developing a feature that will “anonymize” the VPAX file. The anonymization replaces all table and column names with placeholders that can only be decoded using a separate dictionary file, which can be stored locally – no transfer to the cloud is needed, ensuring an extra layer of security for your data. We understand this is a crucial feature for some companies and are diligently working to release it before DAX Optimizer becomes generally available.

Where is the VPAX file stored and processed?

Regarding data storage and processing, DAX Optimizer is flexible and adapts to your needs. The service uses the Azure infrastructure, and you, the user, can choose in which region to store and process the VPAX files.

Our company is based in the United States, so the billing transactions and related information are processed there. However, all the information managed by the DAX Optimizer service is stored and processed in your chosen region.

For those global players who operate in multiple countries and continents, worry not – we’ve got you covered! You can store different models in different regions based on your business needs.

Stay tuned for more news and insights about DAX Optimizer!