Overview of SQL Server Express

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Server Express) is a database platform that is based on Microsoft SQL Server 2005. It is also a replacement for Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE). Integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server Express makes it easy to develop data-driven applications that are rich in capability, offer enhanced storage security, and are fast to deploy.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services (SQL Server Express) is an edition of SQL Server Express that includes a new graphical management tool, features for reporting, and advanced text-based search capabilities.

Both editions of SQL Server Express are free downloads that can be redistributed subject to agreement. Each edition can function both as the client database and as a basic server database. Either SQL Server Express edition is an ideal choice for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), server users, non-professional developers, Web developers, Web site hosts, and hobbyists who are building client applications. If you need more advanced database features, you can upgrade SQL Server Express to more sophisticated versions of SQL Server.

In This Section

The topics in this section provide an overview of SQL Server Express.

Topic Description

SQL Server Express Features

Describes the features of SQL Server Express and compares these features to SQL Server 2005.

SQL Server Express with Advanced Services Features

Describes the features of SQL Server Express with Advanced Services and compares these features to SQL Server 2005.

Comparing SQL Server Express with MSDE

Compares the features of SQL Server Express to MSDE, including comparative limitations and supported features.

SQL Server Express Toolkit

Describes the features of SQL Server Express toolkit.

See Also

Concepts

Using SQL Server Express Books Online
Getting SQL Server Express Assistance

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance