>>>>Hi,
>>>>
>>>>I am trying to decide if it makes more sense to download a free copy of the SQL Server 2008 Express or pay $50 for SQL Server 2008 Developer's edition. I will be using this copy for development of a new application (actually conversion of VFP app to SQL Server). Also I have an in-house (my company) VFP application with SQL Server 2005 Development edition database that I use every day (which gives me a good testing grounds). So I will be converting the SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 and run it every day kind of sort of as a production copy. The size of the database is very small and I am the only one using it. The money ($50) is not that important but if Express edition will work just as well as Development edition it is ok too.
>>>>
>>>>TIA.
>>>
>>>As long as you don't need to use SSAS, SSIS, SSRS, you're OK with Express edition (I suggest to download the one with Advanced Tools). You may need SSIS if simple Import/Export Wizard will not be enough.
>>>
>>>Also, SQL Server Express doesn't have DTA or SQL Profiler (may be handy checking what command you send from VFP application to SQL Server).
>>>
>>>So, if $50 is not an issue, I'd say go with the Developer's version.
>>
>>Thank you. Most of the acronyms/tools you mentioned I don't know much about so I can live without, right now. But never know in the future. My main concern is that if I go with Developer's edition I can have a database of fairly large size (since I will be testing customer data and it is probably big). Also, I want to be able to use SSMS with SQL Server 2008.
>
>SSMS is included in SQL Server Express edition with Advanced Tools. However, there are many important additions in Developer's version other Express version, which pays in favor of Development version.

Are you saying that if I buy Developer Edition I won't have SSMS? Or I can download it separately? Or can I use the one I user now with SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition with SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition?