SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

The SQL Server 2005 Express Edition has a lot of improvements over the earlier MSDE.

The Top 10 cool things about the Express Edition as from MS web site are -

1. Integrated CLR Support. Stored Procedures and the functions can be written now in your favourite programming language.
2. Native XML support.
3. XCopy support for moving databases from one location to another.
4. Robust & Reliable installation using either GUI or client mode.
5. Automated servicing & patching.
6. Deep integration with Visual Studio to provide access to rich data controls like DataGrid view, Data Navigator & Data Connector.
7. Support database up to 4 GB.
8. Sipport for disconnected systems like SQL Server Service Broker & Replication.
9. SQL Server express manager, a new, easy-to-use database management & query analysis tool (available 2004 Aug).
10. Easier deployment via Visual Studio click one (made available with Beta 3).