Microsoft has released details of its next generation SQL
Server 2005 database, which will be available in four versions this
summer.
The SQL Server 2005 family will comprise Enterprise Edition,
Standard Edition for medium-sized businesses, Workgroup Edition for
SMEs, and Express Edition - a free version of SQL Server 2005
designed for building simple data-driven applications.
With SQL Server 2005, Microsoft said customers would be able to
take advantage of its recently announced licensing for multi-core
processors. It can be licensed three ways: by the processor, per
server plus per client device, or by the server plus each user
accessing the server.
Enterprise Edition features advanced business intelligence, data
partitioning, and high availability with database mirroring.
Standard Edition supports up to four processors, unlimited database
size and unlimited system memory.
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition replaces Microsoft Data Engine for
SQL Server 2000. It is designed for novice developers. "It also
will be useful for larger companies looking to dedicate smaller
databases to developer projects," said Microsoft.
Forum debates multi-core licences >>