SQL Server Express Hits the Streets
At TechEd Europe, Microsoft announced a new "Express" product line, including SQL Server Express Edition, a lightweight version of SQL Server 2005 designed for smaller, but fully-functional and dynamic application. The Express edition is pointed at developers and those that need a database for smaller applications, but still need to have the functionality of SQL Server. With Express, you'll still have all of the things you've come to rely on in SQL Server, including stored procedures, view, triggers, cursors, CLR and XML support. The engine is even freely distributable - making it a great replacement for the MSDE offering that is "out there" right now. The Express edition of SQL Server is based on the SQL Server 2005 database engine and you can download for free from Microsoft's Server SQL Express site.
Source: SSWUG
More info and download over at Microsoft
Microsoft launches SQL Server Express
