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 - THE Relational Database Software`SQL Server 2005 is pretty much the Microsoft standard for server based relational databases. I bought this product in conjunction with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 standard edition, and they are a good pair. If you are planning on doing any Windows Forms based programming, or web programming that requires relational databases then I recommend this product for testing on your own servers during development work. MySQL and similar are often used for third party web hosts; if you can do SQL with this server software, then you can probably do it with MySQL. This software, however, is for more enterprise level software and web design, and if you are a beginner, then sticking to MySQL is probably your best option. If you are new completely to relational databases, using Microsoft Access or similar can help you get familiar with the table, key, and relationship structure. Server side databases often times aren't as visual and can hamper learning for beginners. Rating:  - Cost of Software $50Cost of MS SQLServer 2k5 Software: $50 Cost of tech support to install MS SQLServer 2k5 on my new MS Vista laptop: $99. Success after 1 month: None. Rating:  - Essentially the full version of Sql Server 2005 without the license to use it for businessIf you're anyone who needs to back up a remote 2000/2005 sql svr database, this is the cheapest way to do it. While the free express edition management studio express is great, it doesn't have a built-in import/export feature that you get with the management tool in this dev edition. If you don't need the Tasks->Import/Export functionality, or features not found in the free sql svr express/managment studio express, then this product really won't help you. The tool let's you import 2000 databases into sqlsvr2005 or express, but you can't export to 2000. The Sql Svr management tool is the perfect way to administer your sql svr express databases too. Basically, the import->export feature is the reason to buy this. Rating: - Great Product. Free Version BetterIn my opinion great product. Except don't get much more bang for your buck then if you just downloaded the free Express version and the free tools located on that same site. Similar features and best part doesn't cost $50. Rating:  - No supportI usually am pleased with Microsoft developement tools (documentation excepted). In this case, the 'no support' policy got me. The installation fails leaving me with bad options: Open a $100 email trouble case, Open a $250 telephone trouble case, plead with the volunteers at the help forum (no solution in 6 weeks) or reload to SQL Server 2000 Developer.
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