SQL Server Express with Web application: license?

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SQL Server Express with Web application: license?

Chidd Stone

SSC Veteran

Points: 242
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July 29, 2009 at 1:39 am

#203254

Hello,
We've got a question concerning SQL Server 2005 Express in a Web environment: a client wants to build an ASP .NET web application for their own internal use (that means it won't be sold or distributed). They want to use SQL Server 2005 Express as the database engine, probably a local instance on the web server (Windows Server 2008 Standard Eidition).
Our question: does the licensing of SQL Express allow this kind of usage, or will they be required to purchase Standard Edition?
If so, how does the licensing work for a Web environment (number of Named Users or per CPU)?
Thanks for your help
N

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Jack Corbett SSC Guru Points: 184394 More actions · Answer 1

They can use Express this way as long as they can live with the limitations (1 CPU, 1GB RAM, 4GB database size).

Jack Corbett
Consultant - Straight Path Solutions
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Elliott Whitlow SSC Guru Points: 102402 More actions · Answer 2

Jack is on the right track, it isn't so much about licensing with Express as opposed to living with the limitations imposed. If the client can live with the limitations then ok.

I would ask another question though, there isn't space on some other SQL box ANYWHERE in their environment to put these database(s).

CEWII

Chidd Stone SSC Veteran Points: 242 More actions · Answer 3

Hi,

Thanks for your answers guys. They want to use SQL Express as this is their first experience with SQL Server, there are no other installations in the company.

Any chance you could point me to a Microsoft SQL Svr licensing page? I read about the 1GB RAM limitation but couldn't find anything on licensing.

Cheers N

Elliott Whitlow SSC Guru Points: 102402 More actions · Answer 4

SQL 2008 Licensing Page:

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/licensing.aspx

SQL 2008 Express Page:

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/express.aspx

From the Express Page:

Limitations

SQL Server Express supports 1 physical processor, 1 GB memory, and 4 GB storage

I'm not sure if that is 4GB per DB or 4GB total.. I'm tempted to try it to find out..

CEWII

Jack Corbett SSC Guru Points: 184394 More actions · Answer 5

Elliott W (7/31/2009)
I'm not sure if that is 4GB per DB or 4GB total.. I'm tempted to try it to find out..
CEWII

I'm pretty sure that it is individual DB size, but, as I am sure you are aware, with 1GB RAM maximum you probably don't want more than 1 DB that size anyway.

Jack Corbett
Consultant - Straight Path Solutions
Check out these links on how to get faster and more accurate answers:
Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help
Need an Answer? Actually, No ... You Need a Question

Elliott Whitlow SSC Guru Points: 102402 More actions · Answer 6

Jack Corbett (7/31/2009)
Elliott W (7/31/2009)
I'm not sure if that is 4GB per DB or 4GB total.. I'm tempted to try it to find out..
CEWII
I'm pretty sure that it is individual DB size, but, as I am sure you are aware, with 1GB RAM maximum you probably don't want more than 1 DB that size anyway.

I think it is probably a per DB limit as well. 1GB really isn't much, but if the primary tables are little it might be ok..

CEWII