What Is SQL Server
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Microsoft SQL Server
SQL server is database management software created by Microsoft which uses a special language called Structured Query Language.
SQL server is what's known as a "database engine" because it just does what a program tells it to do. If you just install SQL Server, nothing happens. You don't even get a database. It's like buying a automobile engine. It will just sit on the garage floor until someone puts it into a car, hooks up all the wires and hoses, attaches a transmission, etc.
SQL Server is like the car engine and Advisors Assistant is the rest of what you need to accomplish your goal of taking your business from Point A to Point B.
Versions Of SQL Server
There are several versions of SQL Server, just like there are different size auto engines. Some versions can handle more data and go faster than others. This is known as scaling. SQL Server can scale to the size of the job, just like bigger engines can haul bigger loads.
SQL Server Express
SQL Server Express is the free version of SQL Server. It comes on the Red CD distributed with Advisors Assistant. It is appropriate for most small offices.
There are limitations to SQL Express:
1.The database (SQL 2005 & SQL 2008) is limited to 4 GB of data. SQL Express 2008 Release 2, which was released in 2010 is limited to 10 GB of data. It should take most small offices, who are not downloading investment data and prices, about 10 years to hit the limitation with a few exceptions.
2.It will only use 1 CPU Core. This can affect speed if many people are logged in because it will not start a separate "thread" in a second CPU.
3.The database is limited to using 1GB of RAM Memory. SQL Server needs at least 1/2 GB of RAM, but non-Express versions can use up to 4GB on a 32 bit computer and 32 GB on a 64 bit computer. In a larger database, limiting the RAM to 1 GB will throttle back the speed when lots of users are accessing data. There is no user limitation.
4.There are a few functional limitations designed for larger offices such as support for mirrored databases (one running on each server), and acting as a replication server (syncing with other offices automatically), backup logging, etc. These functions usually require a database administrator and small offices don't have that type of staff.
Most small offices will not be affected by the limitations. If they are, they can transition to the next version below.
SQL Workgroup Edition
This version costs from $650 to about $800 depending on the vendor. Contact our sales department if you need a referral to a quality, low cost vendor. The regular Microsoft SQL Server Workgroup license comes with 5 user access licenses. Additional CALs (Client Access License) cost about $130 each. A processor license with no user license requirement is also available for about $3,000.
HOWEVER, due to our Certified Partner relationship with Microsoft, we are able to resell a special RUNTIME version of SQL Server Workgroup Edition for only $150 including 2 CALs. Additional CALs are only $35 each. Contact Client Marketing Systems, Inc.'s Sales for more information.
The Runtime edition is the same as the regular edition except that it is only licensed for use with Software sold by Client Marketing Systems, Inc.
Here's what you need to know about SQL Workgroups (Regular or Runtime):
1.There is no size limitation on the database. The 4 or 10 GB limit is not there.
2.The database is limited to using 3 GB of RAM. With the operating system and other software running on a server, this is not really a limit on a 32 bit system since the system will usually only have 4 GB total.
3.Workgroups will use 2 CPU Cores. If you have a Core2 Duo processor, both can be used. This improves speed.
4.Some of the functional limitations are put back into this version, such as backup logging.
SQL Standard
This version is appropriate for larger installations, such as broker dealers, which support hundreds of users. Prices for SQL Standard are in the $1,500 range plus user access licenses. There is also a processor license available in the $4,000 range that does not limit the seats.
We also have RUNTIME Editions of SQL Standard available. Call Client Marketing Systems for Pricing.
Here's what you need to know:
1.There is no size limitation on the database.
2.It will address all of the memory the operating system can provide. This is an advantage on a 64 bit server.
3.It will use up to 4 CPU cores. Again, these are available in 64 bit servers.
4.Many additional features that are not in Express or Workgroups are included, such as Fallover Clustering and Database Mirroring which are designed for continuous operations.
SQL Enterprise
This version is in the $25,000 cost range and is designed for critical operations demanding 24/7 up time and high speed operations. Companies like Fortune 1000 companies are likely to use multiple SQL Enterprise engines.
Features Comparison
You can compare all of the various features at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx
See Also