PL-900 Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps Practice Question
A canvas app uses a SQL Server database as its data source. The database is hosted on-premises and is not exposed to the internet. Users report that the app fails to load data. What must be configured to allow the canvas app to connect to the on-premises SQL Server?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a VPN or ExpressRoute is sufficient for cloud services to access on-premises data, when actually the on-premises data gateway is the required component.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
On-premises data gateway
To connect a canvas app to an on-premises SQL Server, you must install and configure the on-premises data gateway. The gateway creates a secure channel from the Power Platform cloud services to the on-premises network, allowing the app to query and write data. Without it, the cloud-hosted app cannot reach the internal database.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
VPN connection from the user's device
Why it's wrong here
A VPN from the user's device does not enable Power Apps cloud service to reach on-premises data. The connection must be established from the Power Platform service to the on-premises network, which is done via the on-premises data gateway. VPN alone is insufficient because the app runs in the cloud.
- ✗
Azure ExpressRoute
Why it's wrong here
Azure ExpressRoute provides a private connection between on-premises networks and Microsoft cloud services, but it is not the specific component required for Power Apps to connect to on-premises data. The on-premises data gateway is the correct solution; ExpressRoute alone does not configure the necessary data source connectivity.
- ✗
Microsoft Entra application proxy
Why it's wrong here
Microsoft Entra application proxy is used to publish on-premises web applications for remote access, but it is not the mechanism for Power Apps to connect to on-premises data sources. Power Apps uses the on-premises data gateway for that purpose. Application Proxy does not provide the necessary data connectivity for canvas apps.
- ✓
On-premises data gateway
Why this is correct
The on-premises data gateway acts as a bridge between Power Apps and on-premises data sources like SQL Server. It allows secure data transfer without exposing the database to the internet. Installing and configuring the gateway is required for canvas apps to access on-premises SQL Server data.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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