I have a client looking to create an in-house management system for their factory floor.  Using .NET and SQL, they will host an internal website on a 2008 R2 server.  The server is virtual, running on ESX, and fully licensed.  I need to setup IIS and provide SQL Server for the company who will be creating the custom web based application. It's a small company and we might have 5-10 devices on the floor for workers to enter production data, and look at drawings.  I know I can purchase SQL, but someone suggested SQL Express.  I'm also unsure of the licensing.  I have heard that because only a single user writes to/from the SQL server, it requires a single user license. So, my questions;

Can you use SQL Express;  I believe it supports a maximum of 4gb of memory and limited access to processing power but it's a small installation.

Potentially, we could have over a dozen users. Are we better to purchase a core license, or is it correct to say we can purchase a SQL server with a 5 pack of licen

Hello,

If you think the application will work fine with one physical processor, a maximum of 1 GB of RAM, 10 GB maximum size for each database, no maintenance plans and no SQL Server Agent, then go ahead and install SQL Server Express

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

• Proposed as answer by Lydia ZhangMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator 4 hours 30 minutes ago

Hi Mark,

For more detailed information regarding to the license issue, please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. For international customers, please use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites to find contact information in your locations.

Thanks,
Lydia Zhang