We are often asked by our clients if they can load SQL Server Express on their hosted Windows Server and where can they download it from. Yes, it is available as a free download. Below is a quick summary of SQL Express. Riptide Hosting also offers monthly licensing options for SQL licensing for Web Edition, Standard and Enterprise including SQL 2016-2022 versions. SQL Web Edition is a cheaper option than SQL Standard but can only be used to support public and internet accessible web pages.
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express is a FREE version of SQL Server that is ideal for many web & small and mid-size environments. SQL Server Express has certain restrictions such as a 10 GB database size. The express edition does have some reporting services features included. See our SQL Server Hosting page at Riptide Hosting SQL Server Hosting page for additional information. Links below to download SQL Server Express.
LINK TO DOWNLOAD SQL 2019 EXPRESS: Microsoft SQL Product Page
Or Click Here for Direct Download SQL 2019 Express
Or Click Here for Direct Download SQL 2022 Express
COMPARISON OF SQL SERVER 2019 EDITIONS SQL Server 2019 Edition Comparison
One important change for SQL 2019 is that TDE (Transparent Data Encryption) is available in the Standard Edition of SQL Server 2019 instead of only in Enterprise Edition (not available in Express). Always Encrypted (since SQL 2016 SP1) is available in all editions including Express. These can be complimentary encryption technologies.
SQL SERVER 2019 HARDWARE & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS SQL Server 2019 Software and Hardware Requirements
If you need more features and power than what SQL Server Express provides, contact us for pricing on SQL Server Standard or SQL Server Web edition. We can provide SQL Server 2019 licensing on a monthly basis through the Microsoft Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) which is typically much lower cost than purchasing perpetual volume licenses.