In the first installment of our series, we provided an overview of SQL Server 2005 product line, pointing out intended usage and basic characteristics of each of its editions, but concentrating on differences and similarities between Compact and Express flavors, whose capabilities to some extent overlap (in particular, in the area of desktop based installations). As we explained, the purpose of SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition was to function as an application embedded database engine (with its runtime executing in the application process space). Its design was highly optimized for single-user scenarios (which resulted in removal of features geared towards streamlining shared data access) with emphasis on integration with Visual Studio 2005 (leading to eliminating some of T-SQL constructs which can be replaced with .NET code), making it the appropriate platform for mobile devices. Express Edition, on the other hand, remains the primary choice for deployments of a full-fledged database engine in less demanding environments (for both client/server and local data store architectural models). It also constitutes a viable alternative to SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Evaluation Edition in testing, training, or presentation scenarios (as long as you do not require more advanced enterprise level functionality). Finally, it still competes with SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition as a single-user desktop data store (appearing in a number of Microsoft offerings in this category, such as, for example, Windows Vista Hardware Assessment utility). We will explore here its features in more detail in order to better understand its unique role in SQL Server 2005 portfolio.
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SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Part 2 
