Appendix: SQL Server 2005 Availability, Pricing, and Packaging

The SQL Server 2005 product lineup has changed, and the changes affect the way in which customers buy components of the Microsoft business intelligence (BI) platform. In particular, not all editions include the components of the BI platform.

In general, SQL Server 2005 features stronger products at the low end, including a replacement (called Express Edition) for the venerable Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine (MSDE), and a new Workgroup Edition for small customers. The existing Standard and Enterprise Editions remain in the lineup, although prices are generally about 20% higher.

In all editions in which it is included, the BI platform carries no additional charge beyond the SQL Server licensing fees. SQL Server licenses are required for any server running a component of the BI platform, even if the core SQL Server database services are not installed.

The New SQL Product Lineup

The SQL Server 2005 product lineup includes the following four major products:

• Express Edition, a free database