SQL Server Express 2005

On Monday November 7, 2005, Microsoft released the latest version of its SQL Server product. There are numerous licensing configurations but perhaps the most notable was SQL Server Express (http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/default.aspx).

I say it’s notable because it’s free. Here’s a feature comparison across licenses:
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx

What’s interesting about this strategy is that Microsoft appears to be acquessing to the MySQL open source bandwagon by allowing a personal edition version of SQL Server to be distributed free of licensing. The Express version is a single-processor-aware application with a 4GB max container size – perfect for small business computing – with tuning and tSQL.

This would appear to be a replacement to the SQL developer engine and would be another nail in the coffin for JET (the dbase engine that runs Microsoft Access’ *.mdb proprietary file access). Not only would the SQL engine provide more robust DBMS processing, but it would allow lightweight Microsoft Access applications to finally become HIPAA compliant (transactions in JET cannot be audited to user accounts, creating a Security Rule violation).

Noteworthy if anyone does any development with Access, we may be looking at the product that may eventually become bundled with Office as its transaction processing engine.

R
www.micklerandassociates.com

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