Microsoft Master Data Services (MDS) is an SQL server solution for master data. MDS enables users to organize and manage a business's master set of data into models while also creating rules for updating the data and control over who can edit it. In addition, the master dataset can be shared with other people in your organization through Excel.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Microsoft MDS | 7.2% |
| Semarchy xDM | 12.5% |
| TIBCO EBX | 9.8% |
| Other | 70.5% |
| Type | Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Master Data Management (MDM) Software | Mar 25, 2026 | Download |
| Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | Mar 25, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft MDS vs SAP Master Data Governance | Mar 25, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft MDS vs TIBCO EBX | Mar 25, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft MDS vs Qlik Talend Cloud | Mar 25, 2026 | Download |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qlik Talend Cloud | 4.0 | 6.2% | 88% | 55 interviewsAdd to research |
| Ataccama ONE Platform | 3.9 | 8.4% | 100% | 15 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 7 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 2 |
| Large Enterprise | 11 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 82 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 46 |
| Large Enterprise | 191 |
In Master Data Services, you create a model, which is the highest level container in the structure of your master data. This model can then be used to group similar data. Within the model, there can be one or more entities that are similar to a table. Those entities contain members that are the data records. For example, your model can include commodities such as style, color, and product if you manage online product data. The color entity may contain members for various colors. Models may also have attributes that contain values that describe entity members and can be defined within the entities.
There are also attributes that contain values that help describe entities within entity members. There are two different types of attributes:
Features of Microsoft MDS
Microsoft MDS offers a variety of features that provide a central management of master data, while accommodating access to editors and other consumers of the information. These features include:
Reviews from Real Users
For those managing large quantities of master data, Microsoft MDS is a solution of choice for a number of reasons. Two of those are its ability to empower everyone to interact with the BI system as well as its integration with Azure active directory.
Satyam S., a senior software developer at a manufacturing company, notes, "Enables non-technical people to directly interact with the BI system."
An individual contributor at a pharma/biotech company writes, "One of the main features I have found useful is the integration with Azure active directory."
Microsoft MDS was previously known as Microsoft Master Data Services, Microsoft MDM, Microsoft SQL Server Master Data Services, MS MDS.
ETA a.s., Apeejay Surrendra Group, Blue Star Infotech, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, New Belgium Brewing
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Solution Architect at a computer software company with 51-200 employees | 3.5 | I found Microsoft MDS easy to install and integrate, with useful versioning and workflow features. It was generally stable, though occasionally slow. Support was responsive, despite some language barriers. Overall, I’d rate it seven out of ten. |
| Senior Data Engineer at a insurance company with 5,001-10,000 employees | 2.0 | No summary available |
| Technical Lead at a computer software company with 5,001-10,000 employees | 4.0 | We leverage Microsoft MDS for managing master data, finding it valuable due to its compatibility with ETL tools and SQL Server. However, integration with Azure and in-built fuzzy duplication would enhance efficiency, as current processes can be cumbersome. |
| Senior Data Manager at Clear Data Solutions | 5.0 | I use Microsoft MDS to simplify master data management, benefiting from features like quick data model creation and strong access control. However, with Microsoft’s focus on cloud solutions, support for MDS has waned, shifting improvements to Profisee. |
| Senior Data Manager at Clear Data Solutions | 5.0 | We utilized Microsoft MDS for maintaining master and reference data, integrating data from various sources for analytics, and managing processes. The tool is user-friendly with valuable features like an Excel plug-in, although it needs further development as Microsoft may not support it. |
| Senior quality analyst at Lalli | 4.0 | I find Microsoft MDS valuable because it's easy to install and efficiently records data in tables. However, its language could be simplified for broader usability. I haven't considered other solutions or cloud providers and there is no mention of ROI. |
| Senior Product Manager at a computer software company with 51-200 employees | 2.5 | Microsoft MDS supports our production lifecycle and machinery management, but it's outdated and not user-friendly, leading me to seek alternatives. Despite being part of the Microsoft package, its rigidity is frustrating and doesn't meet modern standards. |
| Lead Developer at Liberty Specialty Markets | 3.5 | We use Microsoft MDS to process external repos and generate MI reports. Its ease of use is valuable, but processing large JMD repositories is time-consuming and frustrating. Minimizing processing time would significantly improve the solution's efficiency. |
