Looking for FREE SQL Query tool for 2008

  • I have a user that needs access to one of my dbs with a query tool. She currently uses Query Analyzer, but we're in the process of upgrading all our servers / dbs to sql 2008.

    SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) is free, but as near as I can tell, it only works against SSMSE databases. Is this correct?

    1) Can SSMSE query enterprise databases?

    2) If not, what free tools there are recommended for this?

  • BobMcC

    Since Express is a free download, why not try using and find out.

    From the SQL Express download site at:

    http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/default.aspx

    The same advanced database engine as the other editions of SQL Server

    Compatible with all editions of SQL Server 2008; scales with your growing business needs

    If you do elect to test SSMSE read this before attempting to install:

    http://blogs.msdn.com/billramo/archive/2009/02/20/sql-server-2008-management-studio-express-released-to-the-web.aspx

    If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

    Ron

    Please help us, help you -before posting a question please read[/url]
    Before posting a performance problem please read[/url]

  • Thanks Bitbucket,

    But I also saw this:

    Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) provides a graphical management tool for SQL Server 2008 Express (SQL Server Express), SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services, and (SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1). (bolding mine)

    To me, there's a contradiction there. I already have full blown SSMS on my machine. I presumed (possibly incorrectly) that I couldn't do a side by side installation of SSMSE on my machine just to test it out which is why I asked the question.

    I've already sent a msg to my user to download it and see how it works.

    Thanks,

    Bob McC

  • BobMcC

    Be sure you and your user read this BEFORE installing SSMSE server

    http://blogs.msdn.com/billramo/archive/2009/02/20/sql-server-2008-management-studio-express-released-to-the-web.aspx

    If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

    Ron

    Please help us, help you -before posting a question please read[/url]
    Before posting a performance problem please read[/url]

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply