Upgrade MSDE to SQL Server or another version of MSDE

Question

We have a production application which installs MSDE on user system in production and application access that as local database. Now we are migrating user systems with Windows 7 and application technology to .NET. We are planning to upgrade the MSDE also as it is a version 8.00.760 (I am checking in Add Remove Programs properties). I am confused what should be the version? Do we need to update to SQL Server 2008 or is there higher versions of MSDE also?

I don't have to take data backup from old MSDE and no need to worry about that part.

If we need to go to SQL Server 2008, which version would be the best for my case? I have around 200 users. Do we need to buy the product from somewhere (like Microsoft)

What would be cost for this if yes? And do we buy a bulk licence or its on basis of user?

Can you please advice me on this. Thank you very much!

Answer 1

MSDE was the "local-only" version of SQL Server 2000 - there is no more recent version of MSDE.

As of SQL Server 2005, the free version (which you can legally use FOR FREE - even for commercial applications) are called SQL Server Express. The current version is SQL Server 2012 Express (with the 2014 version coming out soon) - I would strongly recommend to use that version (and not use another already 5-year old system like SQL Server 2008).

Those are still a server-product that should be installed on a central server - but you can also use it locally on a PC. The main limitation is that the Express versions only support 1 CPU, up to 1 GB of RAM, and have a database size limit (up to 4 GB for 2005/2008, up to 10 GB for 2008 R2/2012).

See this Microsoft site for more information on SQL Server Express

If you have an issue with those limitations - then yes, you must purchase official licenses for SQL Server - either from Microsoft or from an authorized reseller. The different options and prices are just way too broad to list here - you'll have to ask Microsoft or a reseller for a quote