SQL Server 2005 Enterprise edition is now available for download for MSDN Universal subscribers

More details on SQL Server 2005 Features Comparison

The following table outlines the pricing and benefits for each edition of the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 product line.

Pricing & licensing of Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Edition Pricing Benefit Size Key Features

Express

Free

Fastest way to learn, build and deploy simple data-driven applications.

1 CPU

1-GB RAM

4-GB DB size

4-GB DB size

Simple Reporting

Replication & SSB Client

Workgroup

$3,900 per processor

$739 (server + 5 users)

Most affordable and easiest to use database solution for smaller departments and growing businesses.

1-2 CPUs

3-GB RAM

Management Studio

Import/Export

Limited Replication Publishing

Clustering

Back-up Log Shipping

Standard

$6,000 per processor

$2,799 (server + 10 users)

Complete data management and analysis platform for medium businesses and larger departments.

1-4 CPUs

Unlimited RAM

Database Mirroring

Basic ETL

Standard OLAP Server with Analysis Services

Standard Reporting with Reporting Services

Data Mining

Full Replication & SSB Publishing

Available in native 32- and 64-bit editions

Supports Itanium2 and x64

Enterprise

$25,000 per processor

$13,500 (server + 25 users)

Fully integrated data management and analysis platform for business-critical enterprise applications.

Unlimited Scale & Partitioning

Advanced database mirroring, Complete online & parallel operations, and database snapshot.

Advanced analysis tools including full OLAP & Data Mining.

Advanced reporting with customized, high scale, and ad hoc reporting.

Advanced ETL with complex data routing and transformation capabilities.

Available in native 32 and 64 bit editions.

Supports Itanium2 and x64