Beefing up SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
Takeaway: Get the full benefits of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition by downloading the extended versions from Microsoft's site. If you're still hemming and hawing about whether you need the Express Edition, find out when it may come in handy.
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is a freely available version of SQL Server that is included in several Microsoft products. However, the version bundled in offerings such as Visual Studio 2005 lacks a critical component: Management Studio (which is the equivalent of Enterprise Manager).
Microsoft offers a solution: It allows users to download the extended version of Express Edition. From this page, you can also download the 64-bit version. Both extended editions include the equivalent of Management Studio.
Since you probably don't need the Express Edition at work, you may be wondering why you might want it at all. I present you with three scenarios that demonstrate when it may come in handy.
Scenario #1: Your employer is selling a database application and wants to release a freely downloadable trial version. You can't expect the prospective client to already own SQL Server. This is the biggest single reason to have a copy of the Express Edition. You can burn a CD containing the trial application of the Express Edition and give it away freely.
Scenario #2: If your application has at most 12 users, then the full-blown version of SQL Server might price your application out of consideration. There are alternatives, including using an Access back-end or MySQL. Microsoft clearly does not want you to go there; thus the free version, limited by built-in governors, lest larger firms think they can obtain this functionality for free.
In both of these scenarios, the standard version lacks Management Studio. There are dozens of reasons why your client might need this tool, not to mention the obvious reasons why you might need it on the site.
Scenario #3: You are a student who is considering a career in databases. You have the free copy of the Express Edition but not the tools that can really leverage your ability to use and learn SQL Server 2005.
If you decide that it would be useful to have the Express Edition, be sure to download the extended editions to get the full benefit of this database.
Miss a tip?
Check out the SQL Server archive, and catch up on the most recent editions of Arthur Fuller's column.
TechRepublic's free SQL Server newsletter, delivered each Tuesday, contains hands-on tips that will help you become more adept with this powerful relational database management system. Automatically subscribe today!
White Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads
- The True Costs of Virtual Server Solutions VMware Discover ways to streamline and simplify your assessment of the total acquisition costs of a server virtualization environment. Download Now
- Email Security and Archiving - Clearer in the Cloud Google The time is NOW for businesses and organizations of all sizes to implement ... Download Now
- Why Isn't Server Virtualization Saving Us More? A Few Small Changes May Dramatically Increase Your Efficiency VMware Ever wonder why your company isn't saving more from its server virtualization? Making a few small changes could dramatically increase your efficiency. Download Now
- VMware Infrastructure: A Guide to Bottom-Line Benefits VMware Frustrated by the high cost of maintaining or building ever-larger data centers? Get the facts you need to formulate your Virtualization Action Plan. Download Now
- Five Steps to Determine When to Virtualize YourServers VMware Thinking of virtualizing the servers at your company? Use this step-by-step guide to determine when's the best time to make your big move. Download Now
Article Categories
- Security
- Security Solutions, IT Locksmith
- Networking and Communications
- E-mail Administration NetNote, Cisco Routers and Switches
- CIO and IT Management
- Project Management, CIO Issues, Strategies that Scale
- Desktops, Laptops & OS
- Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Windows XP,
- Data Management
- Oracle, SQL Server
- Servers
- Windows NT, Linux NetNote, Windows Server 2003
- Career Development
- Geek Trivia
- Software/Web Development
- Web Development Zone, Visual Basic, .NET
