Using Catalyst on a Mac

Access on a Mac vs. Windows Requirements

Catalyst’s website is fully accessible on a Mac. You can log in, navigate, and interact with the platform in your browser without issue.

Where the challenge comes in is with outputs, things like Excel files connected to cubes, Power BI reports, or other Microsoft Office integrations. These outputs rely heavily on Microsoft technologies that are only fully supported in a Windows environment.

Why Windows Is Required

• Excel Add-in: Catalyst uses the EBM Excel Add-in to connect files to cubes and the data lake. This add-in only works with Windows-based Excel.

• Excel for Mac Limitations: Excel on macOS doesn’t support OLAP connections or the same add-in extensibility as Windows Excel.

• Microsoft Integrations: Catalyst ties into Microsoft 365, Entra (SSO), and Power BI. These tools are designed for the Windows ecosystem and don’t behave consistently on macOS.

Because of these constraints, Catalyst isn’t supported natively on macOS when working with Excel cubes or Power BI. You’ll need a Windows environment.

Options for Running Windows on a Mac

Setting up a Windows environment is typically something your IT team will need to assist with, since it involves licensing, configuration, and security setup. EBM Support cannot install or configure Windows for you.

Here are the available options:

1. Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

• What it is: Apple’s built-in tool for running Windows natively.

• Pros: Runs at full speed with direct hardware access.

• Cons: Requires rebooting between macOS and Windows; not available on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3).

• Setup Steps:

  1. Open Boot Camp Assistant.

  2. Allocate disk space for Windows.

  3. Install Windows 10 or later.

  4. Boot into Windows, install Office 365, then install the Catalyst Excel Add-in.

2. Virtual Machine (Most Common)

• What it is: Run Windows inside macOS using software like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or VirtualBox.

• Pros: No reboot required; flexible.

• Cons: Uses more memory/CPU; requires a valid Windows license.

• Setup Steps (Parallels example):

  1. Install Parallels Desktop.

  2. Create a Windows 10/11 VM.

  3. Assign RAM/CPU resources.

  4. Install Office 365 + Catalyst Excel Add-in.

3. Remote Access

• What it is: Connect to a Windows machine provided by your IT team or hosted in the cloud (e.g., Azure Virtual Desktop, Citrix).

• Pros: Centralized, IT-managed.

• Cons: Dependent on network speed; IT setup required.

• Setup Steps:

  1. Get remote access instructions from IT.

  2. Connect via Microsoft Remote Desktop or VPN.

  3. Use Excel with Catalyst Add-in inside that environment.

4. Cloud PC (Windows 365 / Azure Virtual Desktop)

• What it is: A Microsoft-hosted Windows machine you subscribe to, sometimes called a “Cloud PC.”

• Pros: No local setup required; always up to date; accessible from any device.

• Cons: Ongoing subscription cost; performance depends on internet connection.

• Setup Steps:

  1. Your IT team provisions a Windows 365 Cloud PC or Azure Virtual Desktop.

  2. Connect using Microsoft Remote Desktop.

  3. Install Office 365 and Catalyst Add-in in that environment.

5. Company-Provided Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

• What it is: Some organizations already have a VDI platform (Citrix, VMware Horizon, etc.) where users log in to a managed Windows desktop.

• Pros: Centralized IT management, compliance/security built in.

• Cons: You’re dependent on your company’s IT policies and availability.

• Setup Steps:

  1. Ask your IT team if a VDI option exists.

  2. Use your company’s client software to log in.

  3. Launch Office 365 and install Catalyst Add-in inside the session.

What You’ll Need in Windows

Regardless of which option you choose, make sure your environment includes:

• Windows 10 or later

• Microsoft Office 365 (latest version)

• EBM Excel Add-in (download from Catalyst’s Analysis page)

• Microsoft Entra / SSO: Your Microsoft 365 login credentials will carry through.

• Optional: Power BI Desktop (Windows-only authoring tool).

Putting It All Together

• You can access the Catalyst website on a Mac with no issues.

• For outputs like Excel cubes and Power BI, you’ll need a Windows environment.

• Work with your IT team to decide whether Boot Camp, a virtual machine, remote access, Cloud PC, or company VDI is best for you.

• Once Windows is ready, install Office 365 and the Catalyst Excel Add-in, and you’re good to go.

👉 More details: System Requirements.

Catalyst is deeply integrated with Microsoft’s ecosystem. That’s why Windows isn’t just a preference — it’s a requirement when working with Excel cubes, add-ins, and Power BI. By setting up the right Windows environment with help from your IT team, you’ll unlock the full functionality of Catalyst on your Mac.