SQL standard is ideal for non-critical workloads with minimal IT resources. The express variety is free and ideal for the development of desktop, web, and small server applications.

Looking at SQL server 2005 upgrade? Learn how to save on our SQL server licensing costs with Microsoft SQL server 2014.

The forthcoming launch of SQL Server 2008 will see Microsoft focus its considerable resources on the issue of licensing, to win customers from rivals Oracle and IBM.

Don't need an enterprise-grade database on the cloud? Microsoft offers Azure customers a low-cost, lightweight SQL server option for testing and purposes and apps.