Project planning: SQL Express Edition and Replication 1

[chpicker]

We are designing a web site that will display information for clients who visit. The data will come from our accounting database. We want the data to be accurate in real time, but we do not want the web server to connect directly to our accounting database. The plan is to set up a separate SQL Server and have parts of the accounting database replicate to it.

The accounting database is SQL Server 2000. What I need to figure out is:

- Can SQL Server 2005 Express Edition be set up to receive replication from a SQL Server 2000 or do we need to use the full version of SQL Server 2005?
- Can the replication be set up to only copy the tables that are needed to drive the web site or do you have to copy the entire database?

Basically, I need to provide a cost analysis for this project to my boss. Can we do it with the free SQL server or do I need to factor in server licenses and CALs as well?

Ian

P.S. I think the search function is unreliable. I tried searching this forum for the word "Replication" and it came back with no hits despite the fact that there was a post right on the front page with the word in the subject line.

 

[ptheriault]

- Can SQL Server 2005 Express Edition be set up to receive replication from a SQL Server 2000 or do we need to use the full version of SQL Server 2005?

Yes, as a subscriber only. You can not publish a Express database.

- Can the replication be set up to only copy the tables that are needed to drive the web site or do you have to copy the entire database?

Yes, you can publish and replicate only the tables you want.


I think they are still working on the search functionality.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[ptheriault]

Some other notes about Express.

1. It has a 4gb db size limit.
2. It only supports 1 gb of memory
3. It does NOT support SQL Server Agent job scheduling services.
4. Supports on 1 multi core CPU.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[chpicker]

Thanks, Paul, that's what I needed!

Ian