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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express is a free edition of SQL Server that is ideal for learning, developing and powering desktop, web and small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs.
Supports stored procedures, triggers, functions, and views
Store all kinds of business data with native support for relational data, XML, FILESTREAM and spatial data
Improved performance, usability, visualization, in addition to integration with the Microsoft 2007 Office System in SQL Server Reporting Services
Simplify development efforts by leveraging existing T-SQL skills, ADO.NET Entity Framework and LINQ
Closely integrated with Visual Studio and Visual Web Developer
Download SQL Server 2008 Express Edition Now:
Or use the Web Platform Installer to get the entire Microsoft Web platform:
Service Pack 1 (SP1) focus on essential updates only, primarily Hotfixes (Roll-up of Cumulative Update 1 to 3) and fixes to issues reported through the SQL Server community.
Develop high-performance, applications using an embedded SQL Server database engine that provides rich functionality in a compact footprint.
Create desktop and server applications by using advanced SQL Server features
Centralize business logic and increase application performance by using stored procedures, CLR integration, triggers and views
Build applications that dynamically respond to data changes by using query notification
Extend data to remote locations using SQL Server Service Broker and Replication
Leverage all SQL Server data types, including support for structured and unstructured data
Store all kinds of business data with native support for relational data, XML and spatial data
Store and validate XML data and use XQuery to retrieve data
Increase the granularity of temporal data by using new data types such as DATE and TIME
Store large multimedia files on file systems as if stored in the database via FILESTREAM; files are not counted toward the 4G database size limit
Add geographical information to your business applications
Build location-aware applications
Visualize your data by using SQL Server Reporting Services, included in SQL Server Express with Advanced Services
Create readable reports that help users answer complex questions and understand data
Enable users to share reports both internally and externally by using Microsoft Office Word and Microsoft Office Excel
Simplify development efforts by leveraging existing Transact-SQL skills and incorporating new technologies including ADO.NET Entity Framework and Language Integrated Query (LINQ). SQL Server Express helps you develop applications faster through deep integration with Visual Studio 2008, Visual Web Developer 2008, and SQL Server Management Studio.
Solve complex business and application needs with full support for Transact-SQL:
Build intelligent data-access routines and capture business logic using stored procedures and user-defined functions
Respond to user activity and data modifications with triggers
Improve performance with persistent query logic using views
Model your data by using the new ADO.NET Entity Framework to hide database schema details and access data by using entities that closely resemble business logic
Support for LINQ, including LINQ to SQL and LINQ to Entities, allows data to be retrieved from entities natively from any .NET language
Increase developer productivity and simplify deployment efforts by taking advantage of SQL Server Express deep integration with all editions of Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Web Developer:
Rich table and query designers
Full integration with Server Explorer
Drag-and-drop IDE support for rapidly building data-bound applications
Easy ClickOnce deployment
Manage SQL Server Express databases with SQL Server Management Studio integration:
Connect to local SQL Server Express databases
Manage objects with full Object Explorer integration
Write, execute, and test queries by using visual query plans that provide hints to tune your queries
Access management and maintenance options
Develop applications that manage any type of data from anywhere and keep that data synchronized easily.
Create occasionally connected applications that can function even when disconnected from the network
Create desktop applications that can automatically synchronize with a central database
Manage your enterprise data infrastructure with Policy-based Management and apply policies to SQL Server Express instances
Reduce time spent on daily maintenance by defining common policies for database operations such as Query Optimizations, Naming Conventions, Backup and Restore operations and Index Management
Apply central policies to multiple servers for consistent management across the enterprise
Keep data synchronized with subscriber support for SQL Server Transactional and Merge Replication
Leverage advanced conflict resolution capabilities supported by SQL Server Express to build robust business solutions
Synchronize data automatically with SQL Server Express’s support for change tracking and the Microsoft Sync Framework
PHP developers can access SQL Server databases by using the SQL Server driver for PHP
Use whatever development environment you prefer, and even write PHP code from within Visual Studio
SQL Server 2008 Express with ToolsCore edition of Express that supports development. Includes SQL Server 2008 Database Engine and SQL Server Management Studio Express
SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced ServicesExtends SQL Server 2008 Express with tools to include support for Integrated Full-text Search and Reporting Services
SQL Server 2008 Express (Runtime Only)Includes the SQL Database Engine only and is designed for deployments and ISV redistribution
Free, easy-to-use graphical management tool for configuring, managing, and administering SQL Server 2008 Express. It can also manage instances of the SQL Server Database Engine created by any edition of SQL Server 2008.Note: This separate download is designed for customers who have previously installed SQL Server 2008 Express (Runtime Only). If you are looking to download SQL Server Express and SSMSE for the first time, please download the above bundle: SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools.
SQL Server Express supports 1 physical processor, 1 GB memory, and 4 GB storage
The Web Platform Installer (Web PI) is a simple tool that installs Microsoft's entire Web Platform, including Internet Information Services (IIS), Visual Web Developer 2008 Express Edition, SQL Server 2008 Express and the .NET Framework. Using the Web Platform Installer's user interface, you can choose to install either specific products or the entire Microsoft Web Platform onto your computer. The Web PI also helps keep your products up to date by always offering the latest additions to the Web Platform. Learn more and download at: http://www.microsoft.com/web/
This video series is designed specifically for SQL Server beginners—individuals who are interested in learning the basics of how to create, manage, and connect to SQL Server Express databases. Whether you’re just a beginner or somewhat familiar with databases, these video lessons will help you get better acquainted with SQL Server 2005 Express. Core content for SQL Server 2005 Express is also relevant for users of SQL Server 2008 Express.
This Database Schema series is designed for new database administrators and enthusiasts to quickly get started learning the basics of managing and administering SQL Server 2005 and 2008 Express in real-world environments. Each Database Schema includes SQL Server Express scripts, a sample database (.MDF), and database schema, which can be easily modified and extended to suit your individual needs.
These Samples and Starter Kits are fully functional sample applications. Each sample is complete and well-documented so that you can get started right away. Samples and Starter Kits for SQL Server 2005 Express are also relevant for users of SQL Server 2008 Express.
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