Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine supports many of the same features as the full version of SQL Server, but with limitations on maximum database size and number of concurrent connections. It also includes support for data replication and remote data access.
With its ease of use and integration with Visual Studio, Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine is a popular choice for desktop database development. Its small footprint and low system requirements make it an ideal database solution for small businesses and organizations with limited resources.
Overview
Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine is a Commercial software in the category Desktop developed by Microsoft.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine for updates 63 times during the last month.
The latest version of Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine is 8.0.2039, released on 03/11/2016. It was initially added to our database on 10/29/2007. The most prevalent version is 8.0.761, which is used by 100% of all installations.
Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine runs on the following operating systems: Android/Windows. The download file has a size of 6.1MB.
Users of Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Free version available for both testing and small-scale production
- Integration with other Microsoft products and services
- Support for various programming languages such as C#, Visual Basic, and Java
- Comprehensive security features to protect data
Cons
- Limited scalability compared to full versions of SQL Server
- Lacks some advanced features found in the full versions of SQL Server
- Not suitable for large-scale enterprise databases
FAQ
What is Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine?
Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) is a free, scaled-down version of Microsoft SQL Server designed for use in desktop and small server applications. It includes the core functionality of SQL Server, including support for stored procedures, triggers, views, and functions.
What are the system requirements for installing MSDE?
The system requirements for MSDE vary depending on the version you are installing, but generally it requires at least a 166 MHz processor, 64 MB of RAM, and a minimum of 40 MB of available hard disk space. It can run on various versions of Windows operating systems, including Windows 98 and Windows XP.
Can MSDE be used in production environments?
Yes, MSDE can be used in production environments. However, it does have limitations in terms of maximum database size and processor utilization. It is generally recommended for use in smaller applications or as a testing environment for larger applications.
Is MSDE compatible with other versions of SQL Server?
Yes, MSDE databases are compatible with other versions of SQL Server, including the full versions of SQL Server Enterprise and Standard editions.
What tools are available for managing MSDE databases?
MSDE databases can be managed using various tools, including Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express and the osql command-line tool. There are also third-party tools available for MSDE management.
What are the licensing terms for MSDE?
MSDE is a free product, but it is subject to certain licensing restrictions. It can only be used for specific purposes, such as developing and deploying applications that use MSDE, and it cannot be used for commercial hosting purposes. Additionally, it cannot be redistributed or resold.
What are the security features of MSDE?
MSDE includes several security features, including support for Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication, as well as encryption of data in transit and at rest.
What limitations does MSDE have compared to the full version of SQL Server?
MSDE has several limitations compared to the full versions of SQL Server, including a maximum database size of 2 GB, a maximum of 2 CPU sockets and limited memory utilization. Additionally, it does not support certain advanced features such as partitioning and change data capture.
Can MSDE be upgraded to a full version of SQL Server?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade an MSDE database to a full version of SQL Server by attaching the database to the full version and running the upgrade wizard.
Where can I download MSDE?
MSDE is no longer available from Microsoft as was discontinued in 2010.Windows Desktop Experience feature provides an updated LocalDB engine that replaces MSDE in current versions of Windows.
Installations
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