The MSDE
One of our clients has started working with some software that uses the MSDE – the Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine. This is a stripped down, black-box version of SQL Server for people that need a database server but don’t want to pay for SQL Server nor need all its super-powers. MSDE is stripped down…
The Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine (MSDE) is a stripped-down version of SQL Server that lacks client tools and has performance limitations. It offers several tools to help users understand what’s happening inside their database, such as DbaMgr, MSDE Query, MSDE backup, MSDE admin, SQL Buddy, and MSDE Manager. However, its future is uncertain with the advent of SQL Server Express.
Generated by Azure AI on June 24, 2024One of our clients has started working with some software that uses the MSDE – the Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine. This is a stripped down, black-box version of SQL Server for people that need a database server but don’t want to pay for SQL Server nor need all its super-powers.
MSDE is stripped down in two ways.
It comes with no client tools, like Enterprise Manager or Query Analyzer. It’s supposed to be a black box which your software knows how to operate, but you can’t see into.
It’s performance limited. It has a “workload governor” that “stalls” the app for a few milliseconds whenever it’s fielding more than 5 – 8 connections (the exact number depends on the version).
The second limitation there may not be a big deal for an office scenario. In our case, the client has a dozen users that may or may not be connected at any given time, so the scalability limitations are never an issue.
The first limitation can suck, however. I don’t like black boxes, especially when it comes to data storage. I want to know what’s going on inside my database. To do this, I found a few tools that will do just this for the MSDE, and bring it ever so closer to SQL Server.
DbaMgr gives you a really nice graphic interface into your MSDE install, including databases, tables, users, and access to automated backup. It’s free.
msde.biz is a site that sells two tools and gives one away. MSDE Query is free, and lets you run ad hoc SQL on your install, a la Query Analyzer. MSDE Backup does just that for $18, and MSDE Admin gives you a little Enterprise Manager goodness for $22.
SQL Buddy doesn’t appear to be under active development anymore, but it’s open source.
MSDE Manager might be a Cadillac of MSDE tools at $79. The screenshots look great.
Microsoft has a whole list of “MSDE partners” here.
So would the MSDE work for Web sites? I don’t know – it’s certainly a step up from Access, but I don’t use Access anymore either.
Another question about MSDE: with the advent of SQL Server Express – the free version of SQL Server – is the MSDE still going to hang around? Or are its days numbered? I can’t find anything on “MSDE 2005,” and if you Google for that, Microsoft has purchased AdWords to direct you to SQL Server Express, which would seem to indicate that it’s a dead product.
Finally, for the record, while I’ve never been a big fan of Microsoft for server technologies, I’ve always liked SQL Server. My first official Microsoft training was an MCDBA track on SQL Server 7.0, and I’ve used the information I learned from that class six years ago over and over again since then.
Microsoft may not do everything right with servers, but SQL Server is a fine product, no matter how much you hate Redmond.