Data governance basics

1. Data governance basics

Now that we've seen how Fabric is organized into workloads and items, let's look at how we manage workspaces, control who can do what, and label items so people know which ones to trust. These are all fundamental parts of data governance.

2. Configuring a workspace

Let's begin with how a workspace is configured. Configuration happens in the Workspace settings area, which we open with the button in the top-right corner.

3. What can you configure?

Once we're in workspace settings, we can define the workspace name and description and change its image. We can also add workspace contacts, who are notified about issues in the workspace, configure storage connections, and integrate with external services.

4. Workspace roles

Now, let's look at workspace access permissions. Fabric workspaces use roles to control what people can do. The four main workspace roles are Admin, Member, Contributor, and Viewer. An Admin can manage the workspace and its permissions, including deleting the workspace and assigning other Admins. A Member can create items and manage some permissions, but cannot delete the workspace or assign Admin roles. A Contributor can create and modify items, but cannot manage users and roles. A Viewer can read content, but cannot modify it. This role structure helps teams collaborate without giving everyone full control.

5. What different roles see

Different permissions dictate which Fabric UI elements each role can see. Viewers cannot change any workspace settings, so they don't see the Workspace settings button. Contributors can update some basic settings, so they see the button. Members and Admins see an additional button next to Workspace settings: Manage access.

6. Ownership and sharing

Permissions aren’t only set for an entire workspace. They can also be set on individual items. Sometimes we need to give someone outside our team access to a single item, without giving them access to anything else. It’s like sharing one file without sharing the whole folder. A user who creates an item is its owner. They can share it with others, which always grants read access, and can add permissions such as edit.

7. Endorsement

As organizations create more Fabric items, it can become difficult to know which ones are reliable. New items start with no endorsement. Think of them as an author’s recommendation, a peer-reviewed stamp, and the official dictionary. A promoted item is one the owner believes is ready for others to use. Anyone with write permission, such as its owner, can promote it. A certified item has passed an organization's review process. A master data item is a core source of organizational data. Only people authorized by the Fabric admin, who manages settings for the whole organization rather than one workspace, can certify an item or mark it as master data.

8. Let's practice!

Now let's practice, starting with a look at the workspace settings.

Create Your Free Account

By continuing, you accept our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy and that your data is stored in the USA.