SQL Server is probably the most installed non-open source database in the world. The database's popularity stems from 2 factors. First, because Microsoft SQL Server is a Microsoft product, it quickly integrates into the Microsoft development environment. This makes SQL (Structured Query Language) programming easier and more productive for those already using Microsoft products. Second, Microsoft SQL Servers have one major competitor: Oracle, which is typically far more expensive.
Obviously, neither of these factors would matter if SQL Server was not solid or if Microsoft SQL Server solutions were inferior to other applications. The exact opposite is true. SQL Server developers enjoy these benefits when using it:

1. Speed: SQL Server optimizes SQL code, making it quick to execute
2. Capacity: SQL Servers have been known to store huge databases, terabytes in size
3. Extensibility: SQL databases integrate with Microsoft .NET, giving an SQL Server developer unparalleled development options
4. Hosting: SQL Server is so popular that SQL hosting has become common and inexpensive

When evaluating SQL Server for your workplace, consider these important steps.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download and try Microsoft SQL Server for the PC

Microsoft understands that you need to gain familiarity with your software before you buy it. That is why they have started to release basic versions (called Express) of their software, including SQL Server.

I recommend: Download SQL Server 2005 Express from Microsoft. SQL Server Express has all the common features of the full version, but it is optimized for smaller data. If you decide to use SQL Server 2005 Express (instead of the full version), there are tools for it you can download from MSSQLTips.com.

Consider SQL Server training

Your database is the backbone of any data-driven application. As such, unless you are confident that your tech staff has practical experience setting up, maintaining and fixing your SQL databases when they crash, strongly consider training.

I recommend: Instead of paying, start with free training like the tutorials offered by Exforsys, Inc. If you still do not feel comfortable with your staff's skill level, then consider courses from a company like Learning Tree.com.

Evaluate SQL Server hosting options

Another option for using SQL Server in your business is to consider SQL hosting. While you sacrifice some flexibility with SQL Server hosting, another company will be in charge of maintaining the SQL Servers and the boxes they run on, letting your staff worry about writing the database.

I recommend: Comparison shop. SQL hosting is pretty common which means you can compare plans and make decisions based on several different quotes. If your database needs are small or you do not have a large budget, look at DiscountASP.net and WebHost4Life.com. Mosso, another hosting company, offers hosting for enterprise SQL Server databases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As an alternative to SQL Server, you might consider MySQL, an open-source database that is the most installed database in the world. Not only is it cheap, it is a good database on which to learn because it does not have many tools (like SQL Server) and its SQL syntax is very close to SQL Server syntax.
• •  SQL Server 2000 is still a perfectly viable database. While the software is far out of date, it is still powerful and still runs many businesses. Consider it instead of SQL Server 2005 Express if you can get cheap licensing.
• •  SQL Server has become more than just a database. With products like SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server 2005 Analysis Service (SSAS) and SQL Server Reporting, SQL Server can load data, analyze it and generate reports on it, tasks that used to require teams of programmers.