New Local Database Mode Arriving in SQL Server

SQL Server 2012 now includes a new relational database technology called LocalDB, which stores data on the local system rather than on a remote server. LocalDB can be used for line-of-business and third-party applications with complex data storage needs, without requiring a persistent connection to a server. LocalDB provides efficiency and security improvements over SQL Server Express, while offering compatibility with the full version of SQL Server. However, taking advantage of LocalDB may require some application changes, and as with all versions of SQL Server 2012, the technology cannot run on versions of Windows older than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.

Updating SQL Express for Local Databases

Applications running on Windows often need to deal with large volumes of data that can’t be loaded into RAM, and applications for mobile devices may require replicating data from a server so that the application can be used while disconnected. An example might be an insurance claims application used for adjusters. Microsoft has offered several technologies to fill the local database role, including Access (a part of Office that uses a database engine formerly known as Jet), SQL Server Compact, and SQL Server Express. LocalDB is a new installation mode of SQL Server Express available with SQL Server 2012 and is designed to eliminate many of the drawbacks present in SQL Server Express in SQL Server 2008 R2 and earlier.