Overview of SQL Server Express

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express is a database platform that is based on Microsoft SQL Server. SQL Server Express makes it easy to develop data-driven applications that are rich in capability, offer enhanced storage security, and are fast to deploy.

SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services is an edition of SQL Server Express that includes a new graphical management tool, features for reporting, and advanced text-based search capabilities.

SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools is an edition of SQL Server Express that includes basic graphical management tools.

All editions of SQL Server Express are free downloads that can be redistributed subject to agreement. Each edition can function both as the client database and as a basic server database. Any edition of SQL Server Express is an ideal choice for independent software vendors (ISVs), server users, non-professional developers, Web developers, Web site hosts, and hobbyists who are building client applications. If you need more advanced database features, you can upgrade SQL Server Express to more sophisticated versions of SQL Server.

Typically, SQL Server Express Setup simplifies installation by presenting a limited number of dialog boxes to users. Setup uses the AllFeatures_WithDefaults role to provide default values for some components. You can see the full set of Setup dialog boxes can by starting Setup from the command line and specifying the /Action=Install /UIMODE=Normal parameters.