SQL Server installation - Express or Standard??

  • Hi,

    I was wondering if there is a way to install SQL Server 2005 standard edition on a network and/or desktop connected to the network.

    I have an Access 2000 database backend that I would like to convert over to SQL Server 2005 backend. The forms, reports, etc. on the front end would remain the same until I work on developing a new Visual Studio Express web-based front end. My supervisor is quite "possessive" of the departmental data and I was hired so that we can have more control over the database by keeping it local to our group. The problem with installing it on the company server (or using the company's copy of SQL Server) is that I would not have unique control over the administration/development of the database and I would have to send my requests through a series of individuals to get anything done. Am I way off in asking this question?

    Another thought that I have is to use the express edition. I know it's limited to 2 GB but our database is only 30 MB and I don't anticipate it growing to even 1 GB for a few years. Is the express edition better equipped for a departmental set-up?

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

  • SQL Server 2005 Express actually has a 4GB database size limit. It has also been throttled so it can only use 1GB RAM.

    SQL Server Standard Edition can't be installed on a desktop, you would have to use Express. You can get free management tools as well, so managing it is easier than it was with MSDE.

    What sort of database admin are you talking about? If it is standard stuff, then you are just duplicating resources (assuming the company has a SQL DBA to look after the other databases). As for development, shouldn't be done on the production database anyway. That's what you would use your Express installation for.

    Other considerations are backups & DR. How are you managing that with it on a desktop PC somewhere? Also assuming that the company has a robust backup/DR plan in place.

    Also, where is the web front end running from - a company server or another desktop somewhere?

    If the data is that important, could you get your own SQL instance on the company server, with only your group having rights to it?



    Scott Duncan

    MARCUS. Why dost thou laugh? It fits not with this hour.
    TITUS. Why, I have not another tear to shed;
    --Titus Andronicus, William Shakespeare


  • Thanks! I think you have a valid point when you mentioned duplication of effort. I am going to speak with the company IT group who controls the servers to see what my options are.

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