What is Common Data Service?
What Is Common Data Service (CDS)?
Common Data Service (CDS) is a cloud-based data storage and management solution developed by Microsoft. It provides a secure and scalable platform where businesses can store and manage structured data from various applications in a centralised database.
CDS is an essential component of the Microsoft Power Platform, allowing seamless data sharing between apps like Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Dynamics 365.
How Does CDS Work?
CDS is built on a common data model (CDM)—a set of standardised data structures that define how data is stored and related. It allows businesses to:
- Store data in predefined or custom entities
- Integrate with multiple Microsoft and third-party applications
- Ensure data consistency and security
- Enable low-code and no-code app development
CDS eliminates data duplication and ensures a single source of truth across an organisation’s applications.
Key Benefits of Common Data Service (CDS)
1. Centralised Data Storage
Instead of storing data across multiple disconnected applications, CDS centralises data into a structured environment, making it easier to access, manage, and analyse.
2. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
CDS integrates natively with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure, ensuring a unified experience for businesses using Microsoft tools.
3. Enhanced Security & Compliance
CDS includes role-based access control (RBAC), data encryption, and compliance support, making it secure and compliant with regulations like GDPR and ISO standards.
4. Supports Low-Code & No-Code Development
With CDS, businesses can build applications quickly using Power Apps and Power Automate, reducing the need for extensive coding or IT intervention.
5. Scalability & Performance
As a cloud-based solution, CDS scales with business needs, allowing companies to store and process large amounts of data efficiently.
Common Use Cases for Common Data Service (CDS)
1. Business Process Automation
CDS enables businesses to automate workflows using Power Automate, integrating data from different systems for streamlined operations.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CDS powers Dynamics 365 applications, allowing companies to store and manage customer data, track interactions, and improve customer experience.
3. Reporting & Data Analytics
By integrating with Power BI, CDS helps businesses create real-time dashboards and reports, gaining valuable insights from their data.
4. Employee Productivity & Collaboration
CDS supports internal applications built with Power Apps, enabling businesses to develop custom solutions for HR, finance, or operations.
5. AI & Machine Learning Applications
With Azure AI and CDS integration, businesses can leverage AI-driven insights, automating decision-making and improving data-driven strategies.
CDS vs Dataverse: What’s the Difference?
In 2020, Microsoft rebranded Common Data Service (CDS) as Microsoft Dataverse. The core functionality remains the same, but the name change reflects a broader vision for unified data management.
| Feature | Common Data Service (CDS) | Microsoft Dataverse |
|---|---|---|
| Name Change | Previous name | Current name |
| Functionality | Unified data storage & integration | Expanded capabilities with Power Platform |
| Security | Role-based access control | Enhanced security & governance features |
| Flexibility | Supports Power Apps, Dynamics 365, Power Automate | More integrations & low-code enhancements |
Despite the name change, CDS (now Dataverse) remains a core part of Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.
How to Get Started with Common Data Service (CDS)
1️⃣ Determine Your Business Needs – Identify how CDS can support your operations, whether for data integration, automation, or analytics.
2️⃣ Set Up CDS (Dataverse) in Microsoft Power Platform – If you use Power Apps, Dynamics 365, or Power Automate, CDS is already available within your Microsoft 365 environment.
3️⃣ Define Entities & Data Models – Customise data storage by creating entities, relationships, and workflows based on your business needs.
4️⃣ Integrate with Other Applications – Connect CDS with Microsoft 365, third-party apps, or legacy systems to centralise data.
5️⃣ Leverage AI & Automation – Use Power Automate and Azure AI to enhance business processes with automation and intelligence.
Final Thoughts: Why CDS (Dataverse) Matters for Businesses
Common Data Service (CDS), now known as Microsoft Dataverse, is a powerful solution for businesses looking to centralise, integrate, and optimise their data management.
By leveraging CDS in the Microsoft Power Platform, companies can:
✔ Break down data silos
✔ Enhance collaboration & automation
✔ Improve security & compliance
✔ Accelerate business growth with AI & analytics
For businesses aiming to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and drive digital transformation, CDS (Dataverse) is the ideal solution.
