My hosting provider (Rackspace) is offering a fully managed dedicated server with SQL Server Web version () installed. My company handles web development, and has about 20+ clients using ASP.Net + SQL Server 2005.
I am thinking of cutting down costs by installing the free SQL Server 2008 Express instead. I am aware of the 1GB RAM and 4GB/database (is that correct?) limitations. What I would like to know is:
- Is there any limit to the NUMBER of databases I can install with the express edition?
- Are there any other limitations I should be wary of? I am a bit concerned about having to set up the database backup – with the express edition it might a lot more difficult.
- Any other advise?
Best Answer
There are a number of limitations, notably:
http://www.dotnetspider.com/tutorials/SqlServer-Tutorial-158.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/editions.aspx
With regards to the number of databases, this MSDN article says there's no limit:
However, as mentioned in the comments and above, the database size limit was raised to 10GB in 2008 R2 and 2012. Also, this 10GB limit only applies to relational data, and Filestream data does not count towards this limit (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb895334.aspx).