Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData
@CDataSoftware
This project builds a read-only MCP server. For full read, write, update, delete, and action capabilities and a simplified setup, check out our free [CData MCP Server for Power BI XMLA (beta)](https://www.cdata.com/download/download.aspx?sku=LGZK-V&type=beta).
Overview
What is Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData?
CData's read-only Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server that allows LLMs (like Claude Desktop) to query live data from Power BI XMLA using the CData JDBC Driver. It wraps the driver into a simple MCP interface, enabling natural language questions without writing SQL.
How to use Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData?
Clone the repository, build with mvn clean install, download and license the CData JDBC Driver for Power BI XMLA, then create a .prp property file with connection details. Configure Claude Desktop’s claude_desktop_config.json to point to the JAR and .prp file, then restart the client. The server runs via stdio and must be on the same machine as the client.
Key features of Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData
- Read-only access to live Power BI XMLA data
- Exposes tables and columns as MCP tools
- Allows natural language queries via LLM clients
- Uses the CData JDBC Driver for connectivity
- Supports OAuth‑based authentication
Use cases of Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData
- Ask an LLM to summarize or analyze Power BI XMLA data
- Explore available tables and columns without writing SQL
- Retrieve live business insights from Power BI XMLA through conversation
- Enable non‑technical users to query Power BI XMLA using natural language
FAQ from Power BI XMLA MCP Server by CData
Is this server read-only?
Yes, this project is a read-only MCP server. For full CRUD and action capabilities, use the free CData MCP Server for Power BI XMLA (beta) linked in the README.
What are the runtime requirements?
The server requires Java and a licensed CData JDBC Driver for Power BI XMLA. It communicates over stdio and must run on the same machine as the MCP client.
How do I configure authentication?
Authentication is handled in the JDBC connection string. For OAuth-based data sources, the Connection String utility will open a browser for authentication.
What tools does the server expose?
It exposes three tools: {server}_get_tables, {server}_get_columns, and {server}_run_query (SELECT only, since the server is read-only).
Where can I get help?
For connection issues, contact CData Support. For MCP server feedback, join the CData Community. Both links are in the README’s Troubleshooting section.
