Looking to install Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) 3.0 and
don't have a few thousand dollars to throw down on the SQL Server
2008 Ultra-Mega-Hardcore Edition? Fear not, for it can be done on
the cheap! Be sure to take a few things into consideration before
performing your install, though...
Here are a few of your options we consider at TwinEngines:
Windows Internal Database - Probably the best
option for the frugal administrator
Pros
1. No size restriction.
2. Free.
Cons
1. Must be single server installation.
2. No included database tools for administration (but you CAN use
the 2005 Express Management Studio - Get it here!).
3. Doesn't allow remote connections out-of-the-box (takes
additional after-the-fact configuration to allow for this).
4. Can't set up nightly SQL backups... will need to script an
STSADM backup that will run nightly as a Scheduled Task. This is
actually a good practice regardless of the SQL version you
use...
SQL Server 2005 Standard or Enterprise
Pros
1. Mack-daddy database application
2. No size restriction.
3. Can be multi-server install.
4. Has tools for administration.
5. Can set up nightly SQL backups
Cons
1. Expensive.
SQL Server 2008 Express (not recommended)
Pros
1. Free
2. Can be multi-server install.
3. Has tools for administration (2005 Express Management
Studio).
Cons
1. 4 GB limit (I'd say this is a dealbreaker).
Helpful links for SharePoint SQL Server:
Download SQL Server 2008 Express
Download SQL Server Management Studio
Express
Administering your Windows Internal
Database