---
title: "Master database"
slug: "master-database"
abstract: "Overview of Sitecore Master databases supported infrastructure, references, scaling, and privacy and security."
---
# Master database

The Master database contains all published and unpublished content for all publishing targets.

<details>
<summary><h2>Supported infrastructure</h2></summary>

You can host the Master database on:

- SQL Server
- SQL Azure

Refer to the [Sitecore compatibility table](https://kb.sitecore.net/articles/087164) for compatible versions.

</details>

<details>
<summary><h2>Reference structure</h2></summary>

The Master database has its place in the Sitecore reference structure. It can be referenced by other roles, and it can also reference other roles.

![Illustration showing the Master database's place in the Sitecore reference structure.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/xp/en/developers/101/platform-administration-and-architecture/images/MasterDBReferenceStructure101.png)

### Referenced by

The Master database is referenced by the following roles:

- [Content Management](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/101/platform-administration-and-architecture/content-management--cm-.html "Content Management (CM)")
- [Content Publishing](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/101/platform-administration-and-architecture/content-publishing--publishing-.html "Content Publishing (Publishing)")
- [EXM Dispatch](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/101/platform-administration-and-architecture/exm-dispatch.html "EXM Dispatch")
- [xDB Processing](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/101/platform-administration-and-architecture/xdb-processing.html "xDB Processing")

### References

The Master database does not reference other roles.

</details>

<details>
<summary><h2>Privacy and security</h2></summary>

Assuming default behavior, the Master database does not handle personal data.

</details>