>>>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 ?

BTW Cast and Convert indeed changes the type because you ask it to do exactly that.
Cetin