By: Jeremy Kadlec | Comments (2) | Related: > Database Design
Problem
With the recent tip on the native SQL Server data modeling capabilities, questions arose about data modeling alternatives in the marketplace. The native tools are a very valuable free solution, but may lack advanced functionality needed in some circumstances. As such, this tip outlines the data modeling tools available for SQL Server which can be leveraged by DBAs and Developers to meet a variety of data modeling needs.
Solution
Below outlines some the SQL Server data modeling tools in the market place:
| ID | Product | Multi Platforms | Reverse Engineering | Forward Engineering | Auto Object Generation | Data Dictionary |
| 1 | Chilli Source's Database Design Studio | * | * | * | * | |
| 2 | Computer Associate's AllFusion® ERwin® Data Modeler | * | * | * | * | |
| 3 | Datanamic's DeZign | * | * | * | * | |
| 4 | Embarcadero's ER/Studio | * | * | * | ||
| 5 | ERBuilder Data Modeler | * | * | * | * | |
| 6 | Microsoft's Visio | * | * | |||
| 7 | Quest's Toad™ Data Modeler | * | * | * | * | |
| 8 | Sybase PowerDesinger | * | * | * | ||
| 9 | XCase | * | * | * |
Next Steps
- Evaluate your current data modeling needs to determine if the native tool set will support your efforts.
- If the native tool set does not meet your needs, review the tools listed about and consider evaluating 1 or more of these tools. Most of the vendors offer a trial version of their software which can be tested to ensure it meets your needs.
- If you have worked with other SQL Server data modeling tools, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] with the pertinent information.
About the author
Jeremy Kadlec is a Co-Founder, Editor and Author at MSSQLTips.com with more than 300 contributions. He is also the CTO @ Edgewood Solutions and a six-time SQL Server MVP. Jeremy brings 20+ years of SQL Server DBA and Developer experience to the community after earning a bachelor's degree from SSU and master's from UMBC.This author pledges the content of this article is based on professional experience and not AI generated.
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