Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Developer

Rating:
Summary: Double-check the description
Review: Amazon.com Product Description says:
"SQL Server Developer Edition is a version of SQL Server with some restrictions on functionality, and is designed for development and testing purposes."

That is partly correct: In fact, Developer Edition is designed for development and testing purposes. That's why there's NO restriction on functionality. Only restriction is on LICENSE.

"Developer Edition is designed to let you build any type of application on top of SQL Server. While you'll enjoy Enterprise Edition functionality, there is a special development and test end-user license agreement prohibiting production deployment." .. (...)

Rating:
Summary: Good product, smart licensing
Review: Choosing a database server is largely a matter of personal preferences. I've been using SQL Server 2000 & 7 for more than 5 years for large scale applications, and I'm quite happy with this product's features, performance and value for money. Compared to other database engines, it's main limitation is SQL Server's weird implementation of triggers. One more thing: I have entered C# programming thru Visual C# 2003 Standard (cheap & powerful). If you want to access SQL Server from this Standard edition, you will have to install a local MSDE copy, and only then, SQL Server's client tools. At runtime, however, you can change the connection string content to access any other server or instance. And don't forget to install Service Pack 3, to protect the engine against the Slammer virus.

Rating:
Summary: Good product, smart licensing
Review: Choosing a database server is largely a matter of personal preferences. I've been using SQL Server 2000 & 7 for more than 5 years for large scale applications, and I'm quite happy with this product's features, performance and value for money. Compared to other database engines, it's main limitation is SQL Server's weird implementation of triggers. One more thing: I have entered C# programming thru Visual C# 2003 Standard (cheap & powerful). If you want to access SQL Server from this Standard edition, you will have to install a local MSDE copy, and only then, SQL Server's client tools. At runtime, however, you can change the connection string content to access any other server or instance. And don't forget to install Service Pack 3, to protect the engine against the Slammer virus.

Rating:
Summary: Great Product....
Review: I agree with others on this "There is NO restriction on functionality. Only restriction is on LICENSE." Great product.

Rating:
Summary: Careful - Not backward compatible
Review: I still have not used the product to full capacity, however, it is much faster. I would be careful however if you are putting it in a native SQL 7 environment - you can upgrade the database, however any manipulations you do in 2000 will not be reflected when transfering back to SQL 7. If you upgrade (as if you have a choice), realize there is no capability to use both versions.

Rating:
Summary: SQL Server for Windows XP
Review: SQL Server does work for Windows XP (Home), contrary to another review. I never was able to get the default Windows authentication mode to work. I needed to use mixed mode instead. This is an irritating requirement, but works fine otherwise.

Rating:
Summary: For developers
Review: SQL Server has proven to be very reliable. This is the version I develop with and it has been good. Looking forward to Yukon.

Rating:
Summary: read the small print carefully
Review: The product description states ..."SQL Server Developer Edition is a version of SQL Server with some restrictions on functionality, and is designed for development and testing purposes. It is ideal for those developers who want to get a taste of the Enterprise Edition before purchasing the full product. ..."
What it does not tell you is that SQL Server 2000 will NOT install on Windows XP.
I am a fan of Sybase because their latest server ASE 12.5 does run on Windows XP ... oh, and by the way, the Sybase developer edition is free ...

Rating:
Summary: read the small print carefully
Review: The product description states ..."SQL Server Developer Edition is a version of SQL Server with some restrictions on functionality, and is designed for development and testing purposes. It is ideal for those developers who want to get a taste of the Enterprise Edition before purchasing the full product. ..."
What it does not tell you is that SQL Server 2000 will NOT install on Windows XP.
I am a fan of Sybase because their latest server ASE 12.5 does run on Windows XP ... oh, and by the way, the Sybase developer edition is free ...