Are you looking for an effective solution for master data management as Microsoft Master Data Services approaches its end of life? We’ll walk you through these top alternatives as MDS replacements that offer robust features tailored to your organization’s unique data management needs – and show you how SQL Spreads not only makes the transition easy, but leaves you with a leaner tech stack and better value for money.
Microsoft Master Data Services – 15 years of master data management
Microsoft Master Data Services (MDS) has been a solid, if sometimes overly complicated, choice for managing master data within the Microsoft ecosystem for over 15 years. It provides businesses with a way to maintain consistent and accurate master data across systems, crucial for reporting, compliance, and decision-making.
While MDS offers a central repository for master data, its setup and management can be complex. The platform has faced growing limitations as businesses move to more flexible, scalable, and user-friendly systems.
Challenges in using MDS
Despite its long-standing success, Microsoft MDS has several drawbacks:
- Outdated and limited user interface: outdated design lacking modern features and slow performance of the original web interface create an unreliable set-up that will not be useful for businesses at scale, with users relying on the Excel Add-in for advanced tasks, frequently mentioning a preference for an Excel interface without having to simultaneously be familiar with the MDS model structure.
- Complexity: MDS involves numerous steps and clicks to complete tasks, with many repetitive actions that are not only time-consuming but frequently frustrating, making it less user-friendly; further complications includie an immediately intricate set-up and excessive functionality for most users.
- Performance issues: Managing large datasets can be slow, and scaling MDS generally requires significant resources.
MDS: in the process of being deprecated
It isn’t just that there are drawbacks to the complex MDS system. With Microsoft announcing that MDS is slowly being deprecated – with some reports saying support will end as early as July 2025, others indicating a 2026 end date – the search for an MDS replacement has now become critical.
As businesses prepare for the transition away from MDS, finding a solution that offers both advanced data management features and ease of use is becoming increasingly important. Many organizations use MDS as a benchmark when comparing alternatives. At the same time, they recognize the benefits of taking this opportunity to critically evaluate its complexity and surplus of unnecessary features.
For many business users appreciating a leaner tech stack, there’s a shift towards simpler, more flexible solutions; a few alternatives stand out in meeting these new requirements.
Top 5 alternatives to Microsoft MDS in 2025
1. SQL Spreads
SQL Spreads is a game-changer for organizations looking for a simple yet powerful way to manage master data. Its familiar Excel interface makes it easy for non-technical users to interact with SQL Server databases. Well-balanced functionality facilitates straightforward edits and maintenance.
With seamless integration and lightning-fast setup time, SQL Spreads is an excellent choice for teams already using the Microsoft stack.
Pros:
- Familiar Excel interface: Great for non-technical users, as anyone who can work with Excel can work with SQL Spreads.
- Quick setup: No need for specialized consultants, allowing for a fast go-live.
- Balanced functionality: Assuring that users get just the functionality they require, without over-complicating use.
- Performance: SQL Spreads delivers higher-speed operations even when handling large datasets due to having specific features such as Tree Filters, ensuring quick and efficient performance at scale without significant slowdowns.
- Data integrity is safeguarded: With Designer and Editors roles, change tracking and automatic data validation, your data integrity is safeguarded.
- Low training and maintenance: Simple to use and maintain with minimal technical support required.
Cons:
- Focused on SQL Server: Not suitable for organizations using non-Microsoft databases.
- Limited advanced governance: May not offer enough advanced governance features for organizations requiring a full-scale MDM solution.
Read more about SQL Spreads features here.
SQL Spreads Excel Add-in is the simplest way to update data in SQL Server – without compromising data integrity.
2. CluedIn
CluedIn works well within the Microsoft ecosystem. It is designed to provide data governance and entity resolution, ensuring data consistency across systems. However, it requires technical expertise for full configuration, especially for non-Microsoft environments.
- Pros:
- Strong integration: Works well with the Microsoft stack and other data sources.
- Automation: Offers automated data integration and data governance features.
- Cons:
- Initial setup: Requires significant technical expertise for configuration, especially for complex environments.
- Requires consulting: Smaller teams or users in non-Microsoft environments may need external consultants to fully optimize the platform.
- Pricing: The high cost may prove prohibitive, especially at scale
3. Profisee
As a Microsoft partner, Profisee is an excellent choice for organizations within the Microsoft ecosystem. Known for its flexible licensing, Profisee can handle multi-domain MDM but comes with a higher price tag and requires specialized knowledge for optimal setup.
Pros:
- Microsoft integration: Seamlessly integrates with SQL Server and other Microsoft tools.
- Strong data governance: Offers reliable features for data quality, validation, and governance.
Cons:
- High consultant needs: Requires a Profisee-certified consultant for the best setup and ongoing support.
- Pricing: Advanced features can be costly for smaller organizations.
- No free trial: there is no free trial available which makes it really difficult to see if it will work for your use cases.
4. Semarchy xDM
Semarchy xDM provides a no-code, user-friendly interface, making it a helpful choice for teams that need quick deployment and a balance between governance and ease of use. However, for larger organizations with vast amounts of data, scalability quickly becomes an issue.
Pros:
- No-code interface: Easy for in-house teams to deploy without technical expertise.
- Quick setup: Great for rapid deployment and flexibility across different data domains.
Cons:
- Limited scalability: May not handle very large data volumes as effectively as some other MDM solutions.
- Cost for advanced features: Additional features quickly become expensive, especially for larger deployments.
5. Informatica MDM
Informatica MDM is known for its scalability and versatility in handling large, complex data environments. It offers powerful data governance features but its steep learning curve and high licensing costs makes it mostly suited for large enterprises and large budgets.
Pros:
- Comprehensive governance: Excellent for enterprises needing advanced data quality and governance controls.
- Scalable: Can manage large volumes of data across multi-cloud and multi-domain environments.
- Versatile: Supports a variety of databases and applications.
Cons:
- Expensive licensing: High upfront and ongoing costs, which may be prohibitive for smaller organizations.
- Complex set-up and use: Requires specialized knowledge and often external consultants for setup.
- Cumbersome design: The interface leaves much to be desired, making it less user friendly and again, more complicated.
Using SQL Spreads is almost as easy as watching this 1-minute demo video – no coding, no hassle. See it in action!
Easy Comparison of Alternatives to MDS
| SQL Spreads | CluedIn | Profisee | Semarchy xDM | Informatica MDM | |
| Simplicity | High | Low to Moderate | Low to Moderate | Moderate to High | Low |
| Setup Time | Quick | Moderate | Long | Quick | Long |
| Skills Required / Consultant Need | Low (No external support required) | Moderate (consultant needed) | High (external consultant often needed) | Moderate (consultant optional) | High (extensive consultant need) |
| Value for Money | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low to moderate |
Which MDS alternative is right for you?
Choosing the right MDS replacement depends on several factors specific to your organization’s needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Which functions do you need? Determine whether you need simple data updates, advanced data governance, or integration with multiple data sources.
- Technical skills: Evaluate whether your team can manage the solution independently or if you’ll need external consultants.
- Integration: Check if the solution integrates well with your existing systems, particularly SQL Server or other platforms.
- Performance/scalability: Consider how well the solution can handle the volume of data you expect to manage and whether it scales as your organization grows.
- Budget/pricing: Factor in not just the initial costs, but also the total cost of ownership, including licensing, setup, and any consulting services required.
SQL Spreads: Pay for the power, skip the noise
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for SQL Server data management, SQL Spreads is a standout option. Its Excel interface and quick setup make it ideal for BI teams, offering a simple yet powerful MDS replacement. For more complex data environments, wellknown tools like Profisee or Informatica MDM may be up to the task, but they often offer unnecessary functionalities and a price tag to match.
So if you’re ready to leave the burden of Microsoft Master Data Services behind before it fades into the past, weigh your needs for a lean stack against a smart budget to find the solution for you. And if that solution is SQL Spreads, you can get started within the hour with our free 14-day trial.
Want more info before reaching out? Explore testimonials from real SQL Spreads users or see everything SQL Spreads has to offer on our features page.
