How to Scale Your Microsoft Fabric POC Beyond the Standard Trial Limits

Thinking about a major data project on #MicrosoftFabric, but worried about the cost of a Proof of Concept? You're not alone.

Based on countless discussions at Microsoft events and with resources across the community, one of the most common questions I hear is: "How can we truly test Fabric on our massive, real-world data without breaking the bank or running out of time?"

It’s a critical question. The good news? Microsoft understands this. The key is to match the support to the scale of your project. Here’s a practical guide based on what I've learned from working closely with Microsoft members.

The Standard 60-Day Trial: This is your essential entry point, designed for foundational exploration, feature testing, and validating initial use cases. You get a generous amount of free Fabric compute capacity (F64 SKU) to learn and build initial momentum.

But for enterprise-grade migrations, complex AI model training, or high-volume data integration, a more substantial approach is often needed. This is where a strategic conversation with Microsoft can open up two powerful options:

1. The Extended Trial Period:

What it is: Exactly what it sounds like. It’s an extension of the standard 60-day trial, often to 90 or even 120 days. It provides more time to thoroughly evaluate Fabric.

Who it's for: Teams that have a well-defined, complex Proof of Concept (POC) but need more than two months to validate technical requirements, integrate with existing systems, and secure crucial buy-in from stakeholders.

How it works: This isn't an automatic feature. It’s a strategic conversation that starts with a strong business case and a clear plan presented to your Microsoft account team.

2. Microsoft Compute Credits (The "Fuel" for Your Project):

What it is: This is free, dedicated compute capacity credited to your Azure account, specifically for Microsoft Fabric workloads. Think of this as a strategic co-investment from Microsoft. They provide the necessary compute power to de-risk large-scale projects and help you prove Fabric's transformative value with your actual data. This is often delivered through programs like the Fabric Analytics Solution Transformation (FAST) program.

Who it's for:

• Large-scale data platform modernizations or migrations from platforms like Teradata, Snowflake, or on-prem SQL Server.

• Projects that need to process terabytes (or petabytes!) of data to rigorously prove performance and cost efficiency.

• High-profile, strategic initiatives that have the potential for significant business impact and organizational adoption.

How it works: This is a true partnership. You bring a compelling, strategic project with clear objectives, and Microsoft may co-invest by providing the compute resources needed to accelerate your success and realize the full potential of Fabric.

A Common Question: Can You Use Both?

A frequent query I hear is whether you can leverage both an Extended Trial and Microsoft Compute Credits. The answer is: Yes, it's possible, but it depends on your specific project's needs and a strategic discussion with your Microsoft account team.

• Extended Trials primarily give you more time on a trial-level capacity to finish a complex POC.

• Compute Credits provide significant dedicated compute resources for larger, more strategic migrations or data transformations.

While you wouldn't typically use both for the exact same workload simultaneously (as credits are often for larger-scale needs), they offer flexible pathways. For example, you might complete an extended trial, and then if your successful POC leads to a major migration, that's when a program like FAST (with compute credits) would come into play for the next, larger phase.

Ultimately, these options highlight Microsoft's commitment to de-risking your data journey with Fabric.

Why Does This Happen?

The pattern is clear: Microsoft is deeply invested in your success. The goal is to remove the financial friction that often prevents organizations from truly experiencing and discovering the full potential of Fabric on their own real-world data. Once you experience the platform's power at scale with your specific workloads, the value becomes undeniable and the path forward is clear.

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

1. Start with the Standard Trial (Now!): Get your hands dirty immediately. It’s the fastest way to learn the platform, build momentum, and gather preliminary performance data.

2. Prepare a Compelling Business Case: Don't just ask for an extension. Document your project's clear goals, the anticipated Return on Investment (ROI), and a detailed plan for what you will test and achieve with the additional time or compute. A concise, one-page summary often works best.

3. Engage Your Microsoft Account Team: Your Account Executive (AE) and Cloud Solution Architect (CSA) are your biggest advocates. They are the key to understanding and unlocking these programs. Share your vision, your business case, and your ambition with them.

The takeaway is simple: Don't let the starting limits stop you from dreaming big with your data.. Dream big with your data—there are proven pathways to help you make it a reality with Microsoft Fabric.

Have you leveraged these programs for your Fabric POC? Share your experience or questions below!

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