views:

211

answers:

3

I'm trying out SQL Server 2008 Express Edition and I'm interested in trying the replication features. Is there a publicly available database to which I could set up a replication subscription?

A: 

Not that I know of.

The Publisher's SQL Server platform would need to have administrative changes made to it in order to add your SQL Server instance as a subscriber, so it is quite unlikely you will find what you are looking for.

That said, if you come across something let me know.

Cheers, John

John Sansom
So you can't publish to anonymous subscribers, like perhaps FTP, CVS or SVN?
Liam
No, SQL Server doesn't work that way.
Brent Ozar
Thanks for qualifying this further Brent, much appreciated.
John Sansom
+1  A: 

No, but you can set up a second instance of SQL Server (Developer, Standard or Enterprise) on your same machine and do replication between the two of them, or use a second computer, or a virtual machine on your computer. For a free virtualization solution, check out VMware Server. That's great for learning things like this where you want to test how things work with multiple machines involved.

http://www.vmware.com/products/server/

Brent Ozar
I thought SQL Server Express could only subscribe to a publisher, but not be a publisher itself?
Jess
You're right! I didn't even think about that. I edited the answer to clarify the editions. Thanks!
Brent Ozar
+2  A: 

You can't use a second copy of sql server express edition as some suggested. The expres editions can't work on both ends of the replication. Express can only be a subscriber, not a publisher. You need a higher version to be the publisher.

You can however download free trial versions that do support replication if you just want to try something out.

EJB
Aha! So I can get a trial of the standard edition? thanks!
Liam
No, but you can get a trial of Enterprise:http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx
Brent Ozar