SQL Server 2008 disk usage issue

Question

Hello everyone,

I heard SQL Server 2008 uses less disk space for the same amount of stuff (i.e. more compact format, and more disk space efficient, I mean storing MDF/LDF file) compared to previous version, like SQL Server 2000. Any document to prove that or describe that feature? I just need a high level learning, do not need too much detailed stuff.

thanks in advance, George

Answer 1

As far as I'm aware the structure of a data page in SQL Server 2008 is pretty much the same as in SQL Server 2005.

There are a couple of new features though that can be used to improve space efficiency.

1. Compression (Row and Page)
2. Sparse Columns