>>>BTW, what SQL Server function would tell us the TYPE of the variable/field?
>>
>>I don't see a difference between the two except the typos in CAST version. In what version does it work incorrect and what is that unexpected behavior? I get the same expected results from both in SQL2005.
>>
>>Cetin
>
>I got an error on INSERT command on the second line in the first case. I don't see a typo and can not test right now.
>
>Also would you please answer my question about type() equavalent in SQL Server ?

What is the error? I think it was simply pointing out to the typos you have. You forgot to closing parentheses for insert with CAST version.
There is no type() equivalant in SQL server AFAIK. You can use type_id,type_name,isdate,isnumeric .. functions and sp_datatype_info sp.
Cetin