Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools (SQL Server 2008 Express) is a free, easy-to-use version of SQL Server Express that includes graphical management tools. SQL Server 2008 Express provides powerful and reliable data management tools and rich features, data protection, and fast performance. It is ideal for small server applications and local data stores.

SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools has all of the features in SQL Server 2008 Express, plus you can easily manage and administer SQL Server 2008 Express with a easy-to-use graphical management tool - SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Basic.

Free to download, free to deploy, and free to redistribute as an embedded part of an application, SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools is the fast and easy way to develop and manage data-driven applications.

Which edition of SQL Server 2008 Express is right for you?

SQL Server 2008 Express is available in the following 3 editions (each is available from the Install Wizard):

• SQL Server 2008 Express
  • SQL Server database engine - create, store, update and retrieve your data
• SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools
  • SQL Server database engine - create, store, update and retrieve your data
  • SQL Server Management Studio Basic - visual database management tool for creating, editing and managing databases
• SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services
  • SQL Server database engine - create, store, update and retrieve your data
  • SQL Server Management Studio Basic - visual database management tool for creating, editing and managing databases
  • Full-text Search - powerful, high-speed engine for searching text-intensive data
  • Reporting Services - integrated report creation and design environment to create reports