Free Version of SQL Server

[peteij]

I have been told that it is possible to get hold of a free version of SQL Server (presumably considerably cut down) from Microsoft.

I can find no reference to it anywhere on Microsoft's websites, but the source of the information is usually pretty reliable.

Is what I've told been correct, or is my friend thinking of evaluation versions?

 

[Pedy]

I think you may have MSDE, which is in fact free version of MS SQL server cut off the administration utilities. It is shipped both with MS Visual Studio and MS Office Developer Suite.

 

[foxdev]

MSDE is not just SQL Server without the UI tools, but also has some limitations (for example, a maximum database size of 2GB). Robert Bradley

http://www.foxdev.com/

Got extra money lying around? Visit:

http://www.agrainofhope.org

 

[peteij]

Thanks guys, now I know what I am actually looking for I can find more information on it.

I would like to ask one more question, though. Given that I have an application already implemented (or near implemented), based on the normal SQL Server 7.0 structure, do I have to re-engineer anything or can I just supply the relevant files in place of a SQL Server installation?

 

[foxdev]

I'm under the impression that you should be able to simply "hook up" your SQLS7 data files in MSDE; Microsoft's documentation seems to suggest in several places that you use SQLS to develop the database for MSDE. Check out msdn.microsoft.com for a variety of white papers. Robert Bradley

http://www.foxdev.com/

Got extra money lying around? Visit:

http://www.agrainofhope.org