Comparing SQL Server Express with MSDE
SQL Server 2000 MSDE is the predecessor to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Server Express), and is based on SQL Server 2000. If you are updating your applications to use SQL Server Express, you must consider the changes in feature support from MSDE to SQL Server Express.
SQL Server Express and MSDE Limitations
The following table lists the limits that have been set for MSDE and SQL Server Express databases.
| Limitation | MSDE Limit | SQL Server Express Limit |
|---|---|---|
Concurrent workload governor (throttle) |
Yes |
No |
Database size limitation |
2 GB |
4 GB |
RAM support |
2 GB |
1 GB |
SMP support |
2 (or 1 if MSDE is run on Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition) |
1 |
Note
In MSDE, the Workload Governor (also known as the throttle) caused performance limitations as the number of concurrent users increased. SQL Server Express does not have a Workload Governor.
MSDE and SQL Server Express Feature Support
The following table lists the changes in feature support between the products.
Feature Area
Supported in MSDE?
Supported in SQL Server Express?
Merge Replication
Yes
Yes, as a Subscriber only
Transactional Replication
Yes, as a Subscriber only
Yes, as a Subscriber only
Snapshot Replication
Yes
Yes, as a Subscriber only
SQL Server Profiler
No
Yes only if another edition of SQL Server 2005 is installed on the same machine as SQL Server Express.
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Note:
SQL Server Profiler is not installed with SQL Server Express.
Database Engine Tuning Wizard
No
No
SQL Server Agent
Yes
No
Active Directory registration
No
Yes
For more information about MSDE and SQL Server Express, see "Upgrading MSDE to SQL Server Express at MSDN library.
See Also
Concepts
Types of Replication
Replication Components
Other Resources
Replication in SQL Server Express
Features Supported by the Editions of SQL Server 2005