XDM
SQL Server
SQL Server and Azure SQL Database are core platforms for many business-critical applications, but test data is often still provisioned via manual scripts and database backups. XDM integrates both systems into a unified test data platform, enabling cloning, subsetting and masking across on-prem and cloud environments. Teams work with reusable models and workflows instead of ad-hoc scripts, while XDM automates data movement, structure handling and compliance.
High-performance copying with native SQL Server utilities and Azure support
For large data volumes and full clones, XDM uses native bulk mechanisms for SQL Server and Azure SQL instead of relying on row‑by‑row JDBC operations. In particular, XDM leverages Microsoft’s bcp utility and related bulk‑load features to achieve very high throughput when extracting and loading data. Complete databases can be cloned to provide 1:1 Golden Copies as a stable basis for further selective provisioning and regression tests. XDM allows copying and applying data even in environments with stricter permissions, where native utilities or admin access are limited. Azure SQL can be connected via the official JDBC driver and Azure Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) authentication, including service principals, so cloud databases fit seamlessly into the same high‑performance processes as on‑prem SQL Server.
High-performance copying with native SQL Server utilities and Azure support
Flexible subsetting and cross-system integration
XDM can start from a simple business criterion and automatically select all dependent records across SQL Server schemas and even other database systems. Application and domain models describe entities and relations once, and XDM generates the necessary SQL at runtime to gather a coherent dataset, horizontally and vertically. This enables you to provide slim, purpose-fit test datasets for feature tests, bug reproduction or performance scenarios, without maintaining fragile, hand-written SQL scripts. Because XDM connects multiple DBMS and BigQuery, SQL Server and Azure SQL can also participate in end-to-end test data scenarios spanning cloud and on-prem landscapes.
Flexible subsetting and cross-system integration
Consistent masking and synthetic data on Microsoft platforms
XDM’s modification engine anonymizes or pseudonymizes sensitive data during extraction and loading, using the same central rules for SQL Server, Azure SQL and all other connected systems. Deterministic masking ensures that identical input values are transformed into consistent outputs across tables, environments and platforms, preserving referential integrity while meeting GDPR and internal policies. Existing SQL Server tables can be used as lookup sources for realistic values, and the same mechanisms support generating synthetic test data from a few records for ad-hoc tests to large volumes for load and stress testing. This allows you to combine realistic Microsoft-based test scenarios with strict data protection and governance requirements.
Consistent masking and synthetic data on Microsoft platforms
Self-service, automation and governance for SQL Server and Azure SQL
Through the XDM Data Shop, non-technical users request SQL Server or Azure SQL test data using business terminology rather than table names, while XDM workflows execute all technical steps in the background. Approval flows, execution windows and integrated scheduling ensure that heavy jobs run at suitable times and comply with operational rules. The same tasks and workflows can be triggered and parametrized via the public REST API, making SQL Server and Azure SQL test data provisioning a standard step in CI/CD pipelines, external schedulers and test automation frameworks. Combined with Icebox versioning, you can save and restore SQL Server and Azure SQL data states at any time, enabling repeatable regression tests and reliable rollback options.
Self-service, automation and governance for SQL Server and Azure SQL
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Test Data Management
XDM is a complete test data management platform that enhances agile teamwork, automates test data workflows, and supports multiple databases with secure masking.
Mask sensitive data
Secure sensitive data with XDM’s Masking Tool. Protect privacy and ensure compliance with advanced data masking for all environments.