Unlocking the Power of Microsoft Fabric
As data environments grow in complexity, organizations are seeking ways to unify and simplify how they manage, analyze and visualize data. Microsoft Fabric is a modern, integrated platform that blends data warehousing, lakehouse capabilities and advanced analytics to meet that challenge. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Synapse Endpoint, a powerful connection interface designed to make working with data in Microsoft Fabric’s unified data lake, OneLake, as seamless as possible.
In Microsoft Fabric, the Synapse Endpoint is a SQL-based connection provided by the warehouse and lakehouse components. It enables users to run Transact-SQL (T-SQL) queries directly against data stored in OneLake. This means that whether your data is in a structured warehouse or a flexible lakehouse format, you can interact with it using familiar SQL syntax and tools.
Why Organizations Are Excited About Microsoft Fabric
Microsoft Fabric brings several advantages. It unifies the data environment by allowing users to move fluidly between lakehouse and warehouse experiences without switching platforms or learning new languages. Since T-SQL is supported throughout, developers and analysts can use their existing skills across different workloads. Another major strength of Microsoft Fabric is its tight integration with Power BI, enabling real-time insights and analytics with minimal setup. Underpinning all of this is OneLake, a centralized data lake that eliminates silos and simplifies data access across the organization. Importantly, Microsoft has also built strong governance, lineage tracking and compliance features directly into Microsoft Fabric, so security and transparency are never afterthoughts.
Where DataDirect Connectivity Solutions Fit In
While Microsoft Fabric’s Synapse Endpoint opens up exciting possibilities, the right data connector can make all the difference when it comes to performance, reliability and integration. The Progress DataDirect Connector for Microsoft SQL Server is a standout option for organizations looking to connect applications to the Synapse Endpoint. Known for its reliability and enterprise-grade performance, DataDirect solutions have a long-standing, trusted reputation in data connectivity. The connector builds on the same foundation as the Microsoft SQL Server ODBC connector but extends support to Microsoft Fabric’s modern architecture, allowing applications to perform SQL standards-based workloads efficiently.
Another key benefit of this connector is its cross-platform compatibility. It supports a wide range of environments, including both Windows and non-Windows systems, giving organizations greater flexibility. Security is also a major focus. With stringent policies and best practices in place, DataDirect connectors help protect data at every step. Beyond security and compatibility, the connector enables seamless integration with business intelligence tools. ODBC applications can read from and write to Synapse Data Warehouse endpoints in Microsoft Fabric, making it easy to connect with Power BI, Tableau and other reporting tools for smooth, real-time data workflows.
Why They’re Stronger Together
The Synapse Endpoint in Microsoft Fabric represents a significant leap forward in simplifying data access and analytics. When paired with a robust, secure and high-performance connector like the DataDirect solution, organizations can unlock new efficiencies and insights across their data ecosystem. Whether you’re modernizing your architecture or expanding your analytics capabilities, this combination is worth exploring.
Todd Wright
Todd Wright leads Global Product Marketing for OpenEdge and DataDirect solutions from Progress. He works closely with the product management and sales organizations to create and promote materials that are relevant and valuable to Progress customers. He is instrumental in developing customer relationships and creating strategic marketing plans that drive awareness, consideration, education and demand for Progress.
