PBI

PBI is an acronym that can refer to several terms across different fields, but in technology and business intelligence it most commonly denotes Power BI, a Microsoft platform for data analytics and visualization. Power BI is designed to transform data into interactive reports and dashboards that can be shared across an organization. It comprises several components, including Power BI Desktop for authoring reports, the Power BI Service for online collaboration and publishing, and Power BI mobile apps for access on smartphones and tablets. The platform also includes features such as data connections to a wide range of sources, data modeling with the DAX expression language, data shaping with Power Query, and the ability to create interactive visuals and natural language queries.

Power BI enables users to build self-service analytics solutions while supporting enterprise governance. Key capabilities include data refreshing, role-based security, and integration with other Microsoft services and environments, such as Excel, Azure, and the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Organizations can publish reports and dashboards, share insights, and collaborate on analytic work, with options for centralized deployment via Power BI Report Server for on-premises scenarios and for cloud-based distribution through the Power BI service.

Although Power BI is the most prevalent meaning of PBI in data analytics, the acronym is used in other domains as well. The precise meaning of PBI depends on context, so it is advisable to determine the intended reference based on the associated field or organization. In general, PBI serves as a shorthand for a broader set of business intelligence and analytics concepts when used in tech discussions.