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

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.

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.

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition will replace Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine as the software maker's lightweight database offering of choice.