Download MSDE 2000
 Unlike SQL Server, MSDE did not ship with its own Enterprise Manager tool.
Developers and users of MSDE applications lack the tools necessary for
database design, management, and administration.
Downloading MSDE
Download MSDE 2000 from Microsoft
Download MSDE Management tool
Database size
MSDE databases are limited to 2 gigabytes (GB) of data. This limit is
per database, and not per server, so a single MSDE server can support multiple
MSDE databases, each containing up to the 2 GB limit. If you anticipate that
your database is currently or will grow beyond 2 GB, consider upgrading to
Microsoft SQL Server™ 2000 Standard Edition for a more scalable database
platform on which to build.
Multiple users
MSDE is tuned for desktop and shared solutions where there are fewer
than five concurrent workloads hitting the database at any one time (only five
concurrent batch workloads or 25 concurrent connections for websites.) If your
solution needs to support more than this number of concurrent batches, you may
need to migrate to SQL Server or SQL Server Enterprise editions for optimal
performance at this higher level of scalability.
MSDE Replication
MSDE can participate in most types of replication with either a
centralized SQL Server or another MSDE. Specifically, MSDE can participate
fully in snapshot and merge replication, but only as a subscriber in
transactional replication (MSDE cannot be a publisher in transactional
replication.) Also note that a per-set Client-Access License (CAL), or
processor license is required if MSDE is participating in any type of
interaction with a SQL Server, including replication. A CAL or processor
license is not required if MSDE is replicating with another MSDE.
MSDE Benefits
MSDE 2000 is a redistributable version of SQL Server 2000. It is a database
engine provided by Microsoft that is based on the core SQL Server technology
and supports single- and dual-processor desktop computers. In other words,
MSDE 2000 is a scaled down copy of SQL Server. MSDE 2000 was introduced to
provide application developers a database engine that is more powerful than
the Jet engine and at the same time expandable to SQL Server. It is ideal for
client applications requiring an embedded database and websites serving up to
25 concurrent users.
The common technology base shared between SQL Server and MSDE 2000 enables
developers to build applications that can scale seamlessly from desktop
solutions to multiprocessor enterprise clusters.
As an alternative to the Jet engine, MSDE 2000 provides a cost-effective
option for developers who need a database server that can be easily
distributed and installed. Because it is fully compatible with SQL Server,
developers can easily target both SQL Server and MSDE database objects with
the same application code base. This provides a seamless upgrade path for MSDE
database instances to SQL Server if an application grows beyond the storage
and scalability that a MSDE can provide.
Multi-server, multi-transaction operations
Multiple-transaction processes across servers cannot include any machines
running MSDE. These advanced operations cannot involve any MSDE
databases. MSDE databases cannot request services from a SQL Server
without a per seat SQL Server CAL (Client Access License) or processor
license.
MSDE and under Windows 95, 98 and Me
MSDE cannot use integrated security features of Microsoft Windows NT®
when operating on a Microsoft Windows® 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me platform.
Also, MSDE cannot be started remotely, and some third-party network protocols
are not supported. Source: Microsoft website |
