MSDE (MS Data Engine) is exactly the same as MS SQL Server, except you don't get any of the tools or interface that come with SQL Server. No Query Analyzer or Enterprise Manager. Just the data engine itself (which is freely distributable to your clients) ... but you need to know how to mess with it using other programs (VFP or Access or .NET).

~~Bonnie


>What is MSDE ?
>
>Xavier
>
>
>>>>Hi,
>>>>
>>>>Is there a free version of SQL server available for developers ?
>>>>If yes where can I get it from.
>>>>
>>>>Cheers
>>>>
>>>>Xavier
>>>
>>>MSDE is free for all and it's with your CD. Or I think you could get it from msdn.microsoft.com.
>>>
>>>SQL server developer edition is not free AFAIK
>>>Cetin
>>
>>
>>Oh just remembered. There is a time limited (120 days?) evaluation version. I think you could get it from MS site.
>>Cetin