When it comes to choosing the right database solution for your needs, it’s important to understand the differences between various options. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) and SQL Server 7.0, focusing on cost, licensing, hardware and software requirements, as well as restrictions.
Hardware and Software Requirements
To install SQL Server 7.0, you will need a compatible platform such as Alpha AXP or Intel, with a minimum of 166 MHz Pentium processor. The recommended RAM is 64MB or more, and you will need at least 65MB of disk space for a minimum installation. SQL Server 7.0 is compatible with various Windows operating systems, including Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Server/Workstation 4.0 with Service Pack 4, and Windows 2000.
On the other hand, MSDE 1.0 has similar hardware requirements, but it does not require Internet Explorer. It can run on the same Windows operating systems as SQL Server 7.0.
MSDE Restrictions
MSDE is designed for single users or small workgroups with up to five computers. As a result, it has certain limitations compared to SQL Server 7.0. These restrictions include a maximum of 2GB RAM, a 2GB database size limit, support for up to five concurrent users, and support for up to 2 CPUs on Windows NT or Windows 2000. Additionally, MSDE lacks features such as publishing for transaction replication, database server failover support, full-text search, OLAP, English Query, and SQL Books Online. It also does not provide a GUI interface like SQL Server Enterprise Manager or Query Analyzer.
Pricing and Licensing
Unlike SQL Server 7.0, MSDE is not sold as a separate product. It is available to licensed customers of Office 2000 Professional, Office 2000 Premium edition, or any Visual Studio 6.0 edition. MSDE solutions can be distributed royalty-free, meaning you don’t need to purchase Client Access Licenses if your application uses MSDE as a back-end.
SQL Server 7.0 is no longer sold, but existing solutions can still acquire additional licenses through SQL Server 2000 “downgrade rights.” This allows you to buy SQL Server 2000 licenses and use the previous version (v7.x) for a reasonable period of time.
Upgrading from MSDE to SQL Server
If you have an MSDE solution and want to upgrade to SQL Server 7.0, there are two methods you can use. The first method involves installing SQL Server and letting the installation program recognize the existing MSDE installation. The second method involves using SQL Server 7.0 Enterprise Manager from a different machine to connect to the MSDE and transfer the databases.
It’s worth noting that MSDE databases are compatible with SQL Server 7.0, so all database objects created in MSDE will operate without any modifications in a SQL Server 7.0 database.
Creating and Designing MSDE Databases
MSDE does not have its own GUI interface for database design. However, if you are a licensed customer of any Visual Studio 6.0 edition or any Professional or Enterprise edition of any Visual Studio 6.0 language tool, you can use SQL Server 7.0 Developer Edition to manage MSDE databases. This edition is shipped with MSDE for Visual Studio 6.0 and provides Enterprise Manager for managing MSDE databases.
Alternatively, you can create your own administration tool for MSDE using SQL Distributed Management Objects (SQL-DMO) and SQL Namespace (SQL-NS) COM libraries provided by Microsoft.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between MSDE and SQL Server 7.0 is crucial for making informed decisions about your database solution. While MSDE is suitable for single users or small workgroups, SQL Server 7.0 offers more robust features and scalability. Consider your specific requirements and budget when choosing between these two options.