Can SQL Server Express be used for free and on VM? - sql-server-express

I would like to ask whether SQL Server Express is free for commercial use?
I'd like to install it on a VM and use it for small-scale projects.
We've seen mixed information about the licensing of SQL express so I need to clarify.

Related

Multiple instances of SQL Server

If I install Multiple instances of SQl Server Express Edition (2005) on same DB server, will there be any licensing issue? DB is used by web sites.
Since SQL Server Express Edition is free, but I don't know if there is any limitation in describing the word "FREE"
No, there shouldn't be a problem. You still have the limits in place though.
Just be sure to set them up to run on different ports.

Will SQL Server Express work with a database made in regular SQL Server?

I was wondering if we could backup the database that we currently host on regular SQL Server, and put it onto our clients computer when we setup SQL Server Express for them.
Is this possible?
Thanks,
Matt
Yes, it's possible to restore a database backup from the Standard edition to the Express edition. It's not possible to restore a SQL Server 2008 to a SQL Server 2005 version, though.
However, there a some minor differences between versions. I've noticed an issue in SQL Server Express 2005 when calling .NET SQL CLR functions across databases, so your mileage may vary. I haven't been able to find a good overview of the exact differences between the various SQL Server editions.
It's always best to keep the development platform as close as possible to the release platform. I can only recommend that you use the Express edition of SQL Server for development as well; and re-test your application.

SQL Azure database using SQL Server Management Studio

I've been trying to work out whether it's possible to manage (i.e. add tables, modify them, create stored procedures) a SQL Azure database using some kind of GUI like SSMS and I keep coming up against different answers.
I found a post from the end of 2009 saying that it would be supported in SSMS but I'm not sure if that includes the Express version? Does anybody know what the most recent update of the express version is and whether it supports it?
I think I'm right in saying that it can't be done in Visual Web Developer 2010 (and I can't afford the full fat VS2010).
I'm prepared to consider alternatives though if anybody knows any full features GUI tools that work with SQL azure and I don't mind paying for a commercial license if it's not too expensive.
Thanks.
Yes, SQL Server 2008 R2's Management Studio does support working with SQL Azure databases.
See:
Getting Started with SQL Azure Development
There are a couple of options
1) You can use SSMS (get the free version by downloading SQL Express v2008 or greater) with advanced services. This will give you SSMS. You can then connect to SQL Azure using SSMS. However - there is a limited set of functionality available via this tool.
2) You can use SSDT (stand-alone for free) or from within VS2010 SP1 or greater. Again, you can connect to SQL Azure, but there are some restrictions on what you can do.
I am using the SQL Express on AWS RDS (free usage tier) myself lately (and connecting via SSMS or SSDT). I prefer their implementation of SQL Server in the cloud to Microsoft's implementation of SQL Azure.

Sql Server 2008 Express Edition Licensing

I'm deploying a web application into a server (hosting company).
The application uses Sql Server 2008 Express Edition as its database.
It seems from the license agreement that this state is ok, as Microsoft says:
"All 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. Any edition of SQL Server Express 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... "
I didn't see any explicit reference on that case.
Do you have any experience with that issue?
Is there any license problem with that?
No, no licensing problems at all - SQL Server 2008 Express is FREE to use, to deploy, to install - and can be used for any kind of hobbyist or commercial application - no restrictions.

Can SQL Server Express be used to effectively administrate a SQL Server Standard/Enterprise installation?

We have a number of MS SQL Server 2005 installations (both Standard and Enterprise editions) on our webservers. From time to time I need to administrate them from home. Right now I'm using Remote Desktop to connect to my work machine, but I'd prefer to install SQL Server Management Studio on my home machine so that I can work more efficiently. I don't have a spare license, so I was wondering... if I installed MS SQL Server 2005 Express on my home machine, could I use it to effectively administrate the higher-end installations on our servers?
See this question:
What's the difference between SQL Server Management Studio and the Express edition?
Also, if you have any trouble doing anything from Managment Studio Express, there are third-party tools out there that have no trouble connecting to SQL Server.
Personally, I've noticed a few things missing out of the box:
Import/Export
Activity Monitor
Job monitor
However, the question I linked to indicated you may be able to restore most of that for use when you connect to a full sql server edition.
If you do a client tools only install of the standard edition (ie. just SSMS) and don't install the database, agent, etc. then I'm pretty sure you don't need another license and won't be violating the EULA. If you want a full install the SQL Server developer edition is only $49 and comes with everything.
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2005/en/us/developer.aspx
I'm not sure if you can create backup schedules and maintenance plans in Management Studio Express.