November 1, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I am currently asking this question on behalf of a non for profit organisation. They are using a SQL Server 2005 based database which has been designed by a CRM organisation.
At the moment, I am missing using SSMS. Is it possible to install the Express version without the database engine (i.e. I wouldn't want to mess up their system). There will be maybe 3 users for now so is it legal to use Express? None of the databases will be used for development purposes but mainly for querying data.
I am also wondering if it is possible to use BIDS, more specifically SSRS?
Will 2008 versions integrate nicely with 2005?
Sorry I'm a little new to this type of setup but just really wanted to know what is (a) legal, (b) possible, (c) cost effective and (d) doesn't wreck the existing SQL Server designed by the CRM organisation?
If the Express version is not legal, then would it be possible to purchase Developer version? Also as they are a non for profit organisation would they be eligible for a special rate?
Many Thanks for any advice.
November 2, 2012 at 2:44 am
From what I remember, but as with anything related to licensing speak to Microsoft directly or your approved Microsoft reseller.
What are your plans for SSRS, same machine, different machine, SSRS 2005, SSRS 2008, SSRS 2012? If different machine or a higher version of SQL you need to get licenses unless you have valid software assurance rights. If you want to put SSRS 2005 on the same server then as long as your licenses are correct there would be no additional charge.
Express is a license free installation, so you can install Express with the data tools to get SSMS. I would install this on your client machines, not the server though, just to be on the safe side.
Developer edition is only for developing a database or BI solution, once you put it live you need a full SQL license, so cant run live solutions off a developer licensed server.
Special rates, unsure, speak to MS or your re-seller.
If your exisiting server is licenced correctly you can install SSMS, BIDS from the installation media at no extra cost.
As I said above, always check with MS directly, do not take what we say as the truth on licensing as the rules do change, best get it from the horses mouth.
November 2, 2012 at 7:35 am
Many thanks for your feedback.
I am guessing they will need to contact Microsoft directly.
I think this will just be on 2-3 machines and not on the server.
The BE is SQL Server 2005 and the CRM organisation have (I think) integrated SSRS within the database. I'm not sure how to install management studio just as an FE. I am wondering if the FE of the 2005 version of management studio is still available or if installing SQL Server 2008 or 2012 could 'look into' 2005 as long as they did not end up with conflicts or compatibility problems.
I heard that Express has a GB size limit so that might not be so good for a production database...
I guess that as this is a CRM database no installation media is available.
There are no fixed plans at the moment and they are just at the 'testing the water' stage.
November 2, 2012 at 7:40 am
If you have the media for SQL 2005 you can install just the workstation components wihtout installing the server objects.
If you install express, yes there is a limit to the size of the database but that is at the express instance, not the already production box, so you wont run into size issues, as your not running the database in express, your mearly using the tools to look into the CRM database which is seperate from your express installation.
You can purchase developer and install it locally and yes the tools will work with older versions of SQL, you just cant use a developer server for production use.
Just remember not to install anything on the server, do everything at the client and you should be fine.
November 3, 2012 at 3:50 am
Thanks very much for your advice which is very helpful and I will use as a reference. 🙂
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