Limitations of SQL Server Express

Question

Hi,

My hosting provider (Rackspace) is offering a fully managed dedicated server with SQL Server Web verion () installed. My company handles web development, and has about 20+ clients using ASP.Net + SQL Server 2005.

I am thinking of cutting down costs by installing the free SQL Server 2008 Express instead. I am aware of the 1GB RAM and 4GB/database (is that correct?) limitations. What I would like to know is:

1. Is there any limit to the NUMBER of databases I can install with the express edition?
2. Are there any other limitations I should be wary of? I am a bit concerned about having to set up the database backup - with the express edition it might a lot more difficult.
3. Any other advise?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

There are a number of limitations, notably:

• Constrained to a single CPU
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB database size (though I don't think it limits the number of databases)

http://www.dotnetspider.com/tutorials/SqlServer-Tutorial-158.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/editions.aspx

With regards to the number of databases, this MSDN article says there's no limit:

The 4 GB database size limit applies only to data files and not to log files. However, there are no limits to the number of databases that can be attached to the server.

Answer 2

You can create user instances and have each app talk to its very own SQL Express.

There is no limit on the number of databases.

Answer 3

In theory you can create up to 100 databases each up to 4GB