Hi Jim,

>>Being a vertical market software provider, this is an issue that concerns us.
>
>What type of administrative tasks do you need to perform? The Enterprise Manager calls system stored proce and use SQL-DMO to carry out admin functions. There are system stored procs like sp_backup that you can call from your application, thus building the administrative functionality in your application.
>

I guess I am thinking more along the lines of when something goes wrong, initial ODBC setups, etc. If something happens with the file server, we tell them to call their network guy and it becomes their problem. Do you take responsibility for the database support when you ship MSDE? We are under the impression that on-site support is necessary, but perhaps we are being overly cautious.

>>We think larger companies that need the full version of SQL Server are more likely to have a DBA on staff, or at least someone that has a clue. Smaller companies use someone that can handle file server problems, but may not know a thing about SQL Server.
>
>...and they may not need to if you build the Admin functionality into your application.
>
>Hope this helps...

It does. Thanks.