SQL Server Express is an easy and cheap way to get SQL Server onto client machines. I would not use it for development. If its limitations are acceptable, that's a good solution. It does 95% of what a developer would need. The other 5% are high-end things like replication.

You can get a developer license for full SQL Server for $50 if you don't have MSDN.

VS Express editions are designer for students, hobbyists, and as learning tools. The fact that you can do so much with them is impressive.


>Charles is a fan of software tools (as am I) so I can't imagine him using the express version of anything other than maybe for a look-see. I am not a proponent of the view that all software should be free. We don't work for free, do we?