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HO M E > SQ L SERV ER > SQ L SERV ER 2012 > SQ L SERV ER 2012 EXP RESS EDI TI O NS

SQL Server 2012 Express Editions

Michael Ot ey | SQL Server Pro
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Along with SQL Server 2012, Microsoft also released a new

set of SQL Server 2012 Express editions. SQL Server
Express is a free edition of SQL Server, and its used as the
internal database for hundreds of third-party products.
Related: SQL Server 2012 Editions

Although it's free, however, it also has several limitations.

Compute-wise, the new SQL Server 2012 Express editions
are limited to the lesser of one socket or four cores. The editions are also limited in size.
The maximum memory for the database engine is limited to 1GB and the maximum
relational database size is 10GB.

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Although SQL Server Express is limited in scalability, a common misconception is that its
limited to a single database or 10 connections. Neither of these is true. SQL Server
Express can support multiple databases where each database can be up to 10GB. The
myth about the number of connections is probably a holdover from the early days of
MDSE (Microsoft Database Enginethe first version of the desktop SQL Server Engine
that was released in the SQL Server 2000 timeframe.)
SQL Server 2012 Express has no limits on incoming connections or workload other than
the CPU and memory limitations. And it comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Y ou
can download all of the SQL Server 2012 Express editions from Microsofts website.
Related: Microsoft SQL Server 2012's Editions and Licensing
SQL Server Express (Database Only)
The basic offering of SQL Server 2012 Express, SQL Server Express (Database Only)
edition includes only the relational database engine. Like the more full-featured editions
of SQL Server, it runs as a service. This edition is the best choice when you need to bundle
database services with your application. Its fully capable of supporting production
applications for small-to-midsized businesses (SMBs).

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SQL Server Express with Tools

The SQL Server Express with Tools edition includes the basic relational database as well
as the SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE). SSMSE enables you to manage
your SQL Server Express instances and databases. Y ou can also download SSMSE
separately if you later need it to manage the Database Only edition. This edition is the
best choice when youre internally developing several of your own applications, and you
need to manage multiple databases.

From the Blogs

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MA R 1 1 , 2 0 1 4

Detailed Migration
Steps for SQL Server
Upgrades, Part III
Important post migration

SQL Server Express with Advanced Services

tasks are outlined in part III

of this series on the steps you'll w ant to use w hen

This is the most full-featured version of SQL Server 2012 Express. It includes SSMSE,
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), full-text search, and the Reporting Services subsystem.
The Reporting Services implementation in SQL Server Express with Advanced Services is
http://sqlmag.com/sql-server-2012/sql-server-2012-express-editions

demoting an older server and promoting a new er server

as part of a SQL Server upgrade or migration....More

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SQL Server 2012 Express Editions | SQL Server 2012 content from SQL Server Pro

limited to 4GB and can access only the local instance. This edition is the best choice when
youre developing your own custom applications, and you need reporting as well as
database services.

BLOG

MA R 1 1 , 2 0 1 4

Detailed Migration
Steps for SQL Server
Upgrades, Part II
Here's Part II of an

SQL Server Express LocalDB

overview of actual steps

SQL Server Express LocalDB is a new option with the SQL Server 2012 release. Unlike the
other versions of SQL Server Express, LocalDB runs in user modenot as a service.
LocalDB is for developers and is primarily intended to help you test code for your
deployments. This edition uses the same sqlservr.exe program as the other versions and is
100 percent code compatible with the other editions of SQL Server. LocalDB has a zero
configuration installation.

you'll w ant to use w hen demoting an older server and

promoting a new er server as part of a SQL Server
upgrade or migration. Part II covers preparing databases
for migration, 13 migration steps, and failback tips....More
BLOG

MA R 1 1 , 2 0 1 4

Detailed Migration
Steps for SQL Server
Upgrades, Part I

Learn more: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Licensing Options

Get an overview of actual

steps you'll w ant to use

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