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Installation of MSDE and Maximum Number of Concurrent Users Legal

I have read many posts regarding MSDE usage.  Unfortunately many of them are old (2002 and up).  MS now has SQL Expres (2005).

I am 3/4 finished with (1) re-distributable application that will probably have no more than 5 users concurrently where I am implementing MSDE 2000.  However, I will be starting on another re-distributable application in the same market that will take advantage of 80% of the data structure, forms and reports previously written in application #1.

My problem is that the amount of data may increase exponentially and the number of concurrent users may double or triple.  The key word is MAY.  I don't want to initially lock myself into having to raise the price of my #2 application for full-price SQL Server because of database size and/or performance.  I understand the 2gb limitation of the MSDE database.  Unfortunately, economics is a driving force in marketing this app.  Fair amount of competition.

Many of the links found on the Expert postings regarding performance issues, licensing, etc. refer to MSDE 2000 and those links aren't available anymore now that MS is pushing SQL Express/Server 2005.

I feel that I am at a crossroads in my development and need to decide several things before moving forward:

1)  Do I stick with MSDE 2000 or do I look at another database like mySQL (considerably cheaper)?
2)  Do I stick with MSDE and upgrade to 2005?
3)  Where do I find some correct information on performance and licensing issues?
4)  Where do I find information on integrating installation (Server & Client) of my SQL database into my application installation CD?

Thanks in advance!

Phil Tate
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Guy Hengel [angelIII / a3]
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if the application and database are tuned, you can have more than 5 concurrent users. even having 20 will not be a big issue.

1) you will have to potentially review ALL your sql, whatever choice you make
2) you can upgrade to SQL Express. you can take advantage of those new features, but what worked in msde will continue to work in sql express if you put the compatiblity mode to 80. with 90 (sql server 2005) you will have to test again all over again
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Anthony Perkins
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AngelIII,

I respect your opinion of the utmost.  

"even having 20 will not be a big issue."

Why do you say 'even with 20' when everything I have read so far about MSDE makes reference to 'load governor', '5 threads maximum'.  90% of my VB.NET application is based on select..., insert... & update...  command stored procedures instead of SQL statements imbedded in code.  Therefore it is being tuned from it's inception.  However, if there is validity to a 'governor' or 'thread' issue(s) in MSDE...the optimization of my code will only go so far if these other issues are valid?

Thanks.

Phil
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Thanks Angel,

This was a very appropriate reply for me.  I appreciate it very much.  Like you said, it's not like 20 users are going to be performing data entry or generating reports non-stop.  You have put my mind at ease 100%.  Nothing like educated or logical confirmation.

I'm will go ahead and divy up the points.  I appreciate Anthony's comment about changes to 4gb for SQL Express.  I would like to divide accordingly.

#3 is a mute issue now, but can you help me with my #4 question.  This is my first use of SQL from a re-distribution standpoint.  I feel like I have investigated re-distributed installation somewhat thoroughly, but just as with my original issue you have resolved....I'm not sure the best way to move forward.

For additional reference....I am planning on having the complete installation available via CD and also via a downloadable .exe from my website www.thesoftwarefirm.com.  The app will install initially as a 30 day demo...which can then be registered upon payment with an registration/install key.

Many thanks, Angel & Anthony!

Phil
>>but can you help me with my #4 question.<<
Here is one solution:

SQL Packager™ Standard
Packages a database or a database update
http://www.red-gate.com/products/SQL_Packager/index.htm