Alternatives to MySQL

Many times during events and presentations the attendees ask me how they can start developing data-based applications with Microsoft technology, the reason for the question is the widespread belief that the only free databases for development are MySQL or PostgreSQL. In general the public does not know that Microsoft has a free database product based on the same core (Core) of SQL Server (in this case SQL Server 2008). SQL Server Express is Microsoft's product for developers and ISV development companies that for free allows having all the features of SQL Server.

Since August 22 SQL Server 2008 Express with Advance Services is available, even in Spanish, it can be downloaded from here.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B5D1B8C3-FDA5-4508-B0D0-1311D670E336&displaylang=en

The New version model of SQL Server 2008 is very interesting, the web version for example will surely change many existing paradigms about the construction of internet applications based on SQL Server.

About the versions.: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144275.aspx

Now in order to be able to identify which of the new features of SQL Server 2008 are available in Express and which are not, don't fail to consult this complete chart here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc645993.aspx

One of the most interesting things we can see in this comparison is the inclusion of spatial data in all versions of SQL Server, including express.

With the recent changes in MySQL: it was bought by Sun and now not everything is free (announcements have been made to charge for the high performance features in the future). Currently they charge for support services, it is a good time to evaluate the features and advantages of SQL Server Express.

Note: It is important to remember that if you have Visual Studio 2008 you must install SP1 in order to install SQL Server 2008 in any of its flavors.

Note2. It is also important to remember that if you are updating from 2005 after the installation you must register your servers again in SQL Server Management Studio.

Juan Carlos Peláez

Developer Evangelist

Microsoft Colombia.

Keywords: SQL Server 2008, Application Development, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server Express.