Updated: July 9, 2020 (December 26, 2005)

  Analyst Report Archived

Appendix: SQL Server 2005 Availability, Pricing, and Packaging

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The SQL Server 2005 product lineup has changed, and all editions have updated and improved management features. However, as was the case for past SQL Server releases, most scalability and high-availability features are limited to the product’s Enterprise Edition.

In general, SQL Server 2005 features stronger products at the low end, including a replacement (called Express Edition) for the venerable Microsoft 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.

The New SQL Product Lineup

The SQL Server 2005 product lineup includes the following four editions:

  • Express Edition, a free database that replaces MSDE; Express Edition is designed for simple Web applications and developers building applications that require an embedded database
  • Workgroup Edition, a scaled-down version of Standard Edition that lacks some advanced services and management tools;

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